LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Hatchet Creek Falls
Hatchet Creek Falls, also known locally as Lion Slide Falls, is a picturesque 30-foot cascade tucked into Shasta County, California. The falls drop into a clear plunge pool framed by lush riparian growth and rocky outcroppings, making it a rewarding destination for photographers and day-hikers seeking a relatively short but scenic waterfall experience. Reaching the falls requires a moderate out-and-back hike of about 1.5 miles round trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. The route winds through forested terrain and includes some steep, uneven and occasionally unmarked stretches, so sturdy shoes and a bit of caution are encouraged. If you’re camping, the nearest developed campground is in the Shasta Lake area, roughly 19 km away, so most visitors treat Hatchet Creek Falls as a day trip.
The Setting
Hatchet Creek Falls sits at 1,598 feet in the hills of California. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Out-and-back trail, approximately 1.5 miles round trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain. Rated moderate in difficulty, the route traverses forested, uneven terrain with some steep sections and limited signage near the creek and falls. Expect natural, unpaved footing and short rocky steps; sturdy footwear and basic navigation awareness are recommended. No official USFS trail number or surface/grade/class data was provided for this route.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 feet. Swimming is permitted. 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 Hatchet Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hatchet Creek Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest during this time. Fall offers pleasant weather, while winter may bring challenging access due to rain or snow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Use caution near the waterfall and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Know when to go.
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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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 264 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 30 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,544 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 277 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 117 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
- 1,544 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 264 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
Hatchet Creek Falls is located near the town of Big Bend in Northern California. Access is via a dirt road off Big Bend Road, and the trailhead is unmarked, requiring careful navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited parking is available near the trailhead, but it is not an official parking area. Visitors should park responsibly to avoid blocking the road.
Elevation
1,598 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.875156° N, -121.941664° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a map or GPS as the trail is unmarked. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.
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With 1.5 miles and 200 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.
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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Where to Stay
Green Gables Motel & Suites
Millz Manor
Shasta Pines Motel & Suites
Burrowdale Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Shasta Lake Area
11.8 miles away · 0 sites
** Due to fluctuating water levels on Shasta Lake, visitors are encouraged to contact the Shasta Recreation Company (concessionaire to the Forest Service) @ 530-275-8113 or the Shasta-Triinity National Forest, Shasta Lake Ranger Station at (530) 275-1587 for possible temporary campground closures. **The Shasta Unit is one of three units that comprise the Whiskeytown - Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. It was established by Congress in 1965. These areas were recognized for their unique and
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Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Burney Falls and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Hatchet Creek Falls
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