Before you go
The falls are on private land. A posted sign has allowed hikers to use the trail; stay on the path, respect the landowners and obey any signs that change that permission.
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Johnson Creek Falls
Johnson Creek Falls is a tall waterfall on Johnson Creek just west of Etna in Scott Valley, Siskiyou County. A waterfall photographer measured the drop at about 118 feet. The falls are on private land, but a posted sign has opened the trail to hikers, and the approach is a short, very steep climb of about 1 mile each way.
The Setting
Johnson Creek Falls sits at 3,652 feet in the mountains of California. At 118 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 118 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
About 1 mile each way on a steep path that climbs steadily to an upper viewpoint across the canyon, where the falls are partly hidden. A rough side route drops to the base; it is steep, difficult and slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear is needed.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 118 feet.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Johnson Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Johnson Creek 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.
Safety Information
The trail is steep and the descent to the base is slippery when wet. In winter, ice can break off the falls; stay clear of the base when it is frozen.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Scott River, 10.1 miles away, not on Johnson Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3.69 ft
Water depth at gauge
50°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
What does this mean for your visit?
Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.9.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Etna hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Johnson Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Johnson Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 62°F to 44°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.
1-meter lidar measures about 332 feet of descent through Johnson Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 118 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 3,661 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 183 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 135 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,661 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 332 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Parking
Parking availability may vary depending on the season and trailhead conditions. Visitors are advised to park in designated areas to avoid fines or towing.
Elevation
3,652 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.459306° N, -122.920311° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a map or GPS device as cell service may be limited.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Mount Shasta Area
Hi-Lo Motel, Cafe and RV Park Mount Shasta Area
Lake Shastina Golf Resort
The Lake 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Salmon/Scott River Ranger District
10.5 miles away · 0 sites
Water activities, boating, floating and swimming abound on the two Wild and Scenic Rivers of the Salmon and the Scott.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Dunsmuir, California
Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs flows at a impressive 84°F in Siskiyou County's temperate forest, reaching 29.5 degrees above the cool ambient ...
Hot Spring, Fumaroles
Hot Spring with fumaroles on Mount Shasta at 14,000 feet elevation represents one of California's highest thermal features, wit...
Bogus Soda Springs
Bogus Soda Springs flows at 76°F from Siskiyou County's volcanic landscape at 2,801 feet elevation. The name suggests early ske...
Klamath Hot Spring
Klamath Hot Spring discharges at 156°F just 27 feet from the nearest road near Montague in Siskiyou County, making it extraordi...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Dunsmuir, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby hiking trails and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding forest area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with snakes or other wildlife.
Cities near Johnson Creek Falls
Writing about Johnson Creek Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.