Indian Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Indian Falls
Indian Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into Plumas County within the Plumas National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls drop into a peaceful pool framed by mixed-conifer forest, making it a quiet, photo-friendly destination for hikers and nature lovers. The approach uses the USFS route INDIAN FALLS RIDGE (Trail #10M62), which keeps the experience feeling backcountry but approachable for most fit walkers. Plan for a moderate outing: the commonly used route to the falls is an out-and-back that covers about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. Trail conditions are natural and rustic—bring sturdy footwear and water, and expect brief uphill pitches where the native tread steepens to as much as 20 percent.
The Setting
Indian Falls sits at 3,202 feet within Plumas National Forest, in the mountains of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Indian Falls Ridge (#10M62), a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
INDIAN FALLS RIDGE #10M62
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
5.59 miTrail Description
USFS Trail: INDIAN FALLS RIDGE (Trail #10M62). Trail type: out-and-back; listed trail length for the commonly hiked route: 2.4 miles with approximately 350 ft elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. Surface: NATIVE MATERIAL (natural tread). Typical grade: 12–20%. Class: 2. USFS GIS records also show the INDIAN FALLS RIDGE alignment at 5.59 miles (representing the full mapped corridor). Expect a well-defined but natural trail with native soil and rock underfoot, occasional uneven or rooty sections, and short steeper pitches—suitable for hikers comfortable on moderate natural trails.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Indian Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Indian Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is most active due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for a pleasant hike.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Plumas National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution when exploring. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or after storms, as the trail may become muddy or hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
31 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 92 years of record
1.00 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SPANISH C AB BLACKHAWK C AT KEDDIE CA (7 km away).
Today
Strong
31 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
33 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
32 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
34 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
33 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
33 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
34 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid May, peaking in April.
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 Keddie 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 75 feet through Indian Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 3,204 feet.
The ground changes about 42 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 116 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,204 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 75 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Indian Falls is located near the town of Indian Falls in Plumas County, California. It can be accessed via Indian Falls Road, which is off Highway 89. The trailhead is relatively easy to find with signs marking the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
3,202 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.061558° N, -120.961622° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring water and snacks, and pack out all trash to keep the area clean.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Susanville
Camp Almanor at Big Springs
Near Beaches & Boat Launches! Lake Almanor Getaway
Cedar Ridge Retreat Lake Almanor
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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HALLSTED
6.6 miles away · 20 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Feather River Canyon and the town of Quincy, which offers dining and lodging options.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with snakes or other wildlife.
Cities near Indian Falls
Other waterfalls named Indian Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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