LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
About Hackmans Falls
Hackmans Falls is a named waterfall in Tahoe National Forest about half a mile southeast of Sierra City, on the slope south of the North Yuba River. The World Waterfall Database estimates a drop of about 120 feet from lidar data, with smaller cascades below, but the falls are not well documented. We found no maintained trail or published route to them.
The Setting
Hackmans Falls sits at 4,593 feet within Tahoe National Forest, in the mountains of California. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 120 feet
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
WILD PLUM PCT ACCESS #12E04
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.06 miWhat to Expect
The falls cascade 120 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hackmans Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hackmans Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Tahoe National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may have uneven terrain and slippery sections near the waterfall. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid getting too close to the edge. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail more hazardous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sierra City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hackmans Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Hackmans Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 45°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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 298 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 120 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 4,645 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 117 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 158 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,645 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 298 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Hours
Elevation
4,593 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.558695° N, -120.626986° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and start early to avoid crowds. Cell service may be limited, so download maps or directions in advance.
Where to Stay
Golf & Mountain Views - Retreat in Clio
Family Cabin With Hot Tub, Games, & Forest Views
Quiet Home w/ Graeagle Meadows Golf Course View!
Dafna, Unit 3 - Two Bedroom, One Bath
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
LOGANVILLE
1.9 miles away · 19 sites
Overview Loganville Campground is located along the North Yuba River, off of Highway 49 about 1.5 miles west of Sierra City. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, swimming and gold panning.Recreation Nearby activities include fishing, hiking, white water boating, mountain bike and motorcycle trails, and seasonal hunting. The scenic and historic town of Sierra City is a short drive from the campground where a variety of lo
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Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid feeding animals.
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