Are there fees or permits required for Faery Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Faery Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Faery Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Faery Falls.

Faery Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Faery Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Faery Falls.

California • 50 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Shasta National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (2)

scot2342 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Faery Falls

Faery Falls is a charming 50-foot cascade tucked in the Mount Shasta area on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Shasta National Forest. The falls spill into a small, sheltered pool framed by dense forest, making it a favorite quick getaway for hikers and nature lovers. The U.S. Forest Service lists the route as FAIRY FALLS, Trail #04W25C, so you’re visiting a feature on designated NF land when you make the short trip. The broader region around Faery Falls includes classic northern California mountain features such as Castle Lake — a glacial cirque (tarn) west of Mount Shasta whose outlet drains via Castle Lake Creek into Lake Siskiyou and forms part of the headwaters of the Sacramento River; nearly all of Castle Lake sits within Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The setting is peaceful and accessible: most visitors describe the walk as an easy outing that rewards you with a photogenic cascade and quiet forest surroundings.

The Setting

Faery Falls sits at 3,281 feet within Shasta National Forest, in the mountains of California. The falls drop 50 feet.

Height: 50 feet

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Fairy Falls (#04W25C), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

FAIRY FALLS #04W25C

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

0.08 mi

Trail Description

The route to Faery Falls is commonly enjoyed as an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. The U.S. Forest Service maintains an official FAIRY FALLS Trail (Trail #04W25C) with a GIS-recorded length of 0.08 miles; that designated tread is native material, classified as Class 4, and typically grades about 5–8%. On the approach hikers follow old dirt road and native-surface tread through forested terrain to reach the waterfall; the short distance and modest gain make this a suitable short hike for most abilities.

What to Expect

The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Faery Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Faery Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is the best time to visit Faery Falls, as the water flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good times to visit, but the flow may be reduced. Winter access may be limited due to snow or muddy conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Shasta National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain or during winter months. Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be wet and slippery. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mount Shasta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 198 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 50 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,314 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 132 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 121 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Faery Falls near Mount Shasta, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Faery Falls near Mount Shasta, California, showing about 198 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,314 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 198 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Faery Falls is located near the town of Mount Shasta. To reach the trailhead, visitors typically drive to Ney Springs Road, which is accessible via Castle Lake Road. The road to the trailhead may be rough and unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but it is limited and may fill up during peak seasons. Visitors should park responsibly to avoid blocking the road.

Elevation

3,281 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.261264° N, -122.335289° W

Land Management

Shasta National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in some sections. Bring water and snacks, and pack out all trash to keep the area clean.

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This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

RED FIR FLAT GROUP CAMPGROUND

7.1 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Red Fir Flat Group Campground is located on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta at 6,400 feet in elevation. Snowpack in this location may extend into late June on heavy snow years, and usually sees late season snowfall in early November, possibly October. It is a popular site for meditation/retreat groups. Maximum stay limit is 7 days per group and or indvidual(s) Recreation Most visitors enjoy the peace and solitude of the forest setting. Several hiking trails are located nearby, including

Book on Recreation.gov