Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Gray Falls
Gray Falls is a set of falls and rapids on the Trinity River in Six Rivers National Forest, along Highway 299 between Hawkins Bar and Burnt Ranch. The Grays Falls Trail (6E30) drops from the Gray Falls day-use area to the river in about 0.4 mile. The area is day use only.
The Setting
Gray Falls sits at 630 feet within Six Rivers National Forest, in the foothills of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Gray Falls Trail (#6E30), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of -8-10%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
GRAY FALLS TRAIL #6E30
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.32 miTrail Description
The Grays Falls Trail (6E30) descends about 0.4 mile from the day-use area to the Trinity River, roughly 1 mile round trip with about 300 feet of elevation change. The Forest Service rates it moderate: steep, with stairs.
What to Expect
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 Gray Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in Six Rivers National Forest and must be leashed in developed recreation sites such as the day-use area.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gray Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Six Rivers National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Poison oak grows off-trail here year-round. The river is swift and cold; use care on wet rock near the water.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TRINITY R NR BURNT RANCH CA (8 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late May, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Trinity Village hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gray Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Gray Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 79°F to 55°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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 193 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 642 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 343 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 247 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 642 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 193 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Willow Creek, drive about 12 miles east on Highway 299 and turn left at the 'Gray Falls, Six Rivers National Forest (Day Use Only)' sign; westbound, it is about 2 miles west of Burnt Ranch on the right. Follow the gravel road to the picnic area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park in the Gray Falls day-use picnic area, which has a toilet and picnic tables.
Elevation
630 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.854667° N, -123.483744° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become slippery after rain. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
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With 1.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Blue Lake Casino and Hotel
Comfort Inn Arcata
Arcata Forest Retreat Peaceful Redwood Suite 5 min to Downtown Arcata w Private Patio Fountain & Fire Pit
Casavagos Tiny House
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Denny Campground
7.2 miles away · 0 sites
Facility has 5 sites. Can accomodate up to a 22 foot trailer. No potable water.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Arcata, California
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Arcata, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Burnt Ranch Campground and other Trinity River access points along Highway 299.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally black bears. Visitors should practice proper wildlife safety.
Cities near Gray Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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