Are there fees or permits required for Loves Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Loves Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Loves Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Loves Falls.

Loves Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Loves Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Loves Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Tahoe National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (4)

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Loves Falls

Loves Falls tumbles along the North Yuba River in Sierra County and sits within the Tahoe National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This compact but scenic cascade is a favorite for hikers and nature lovers; a historic Pacific Crest Trail bridge near the falls provides a memorable vantage point for seeing the water as it drops through the granite-lined river corridor. The waterfall can be reached via the USFS WILD PLUM LOOP (Trail #12E49). The hike to the falls is short and accessible — an easy out-and-back route covering about 1.2 miles with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain — making it a good choice for families or a quick nature outing. If you plan to camp nearby, Sardine Lake Campground is approximately 4.42 km away, offering a convenient base for an overnight stay in the Tahoe National Forest.

The Setting

Loves Falls sits at 4,738 feet within Tahoe National Forest, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Frazier Falls (176 ft) lies 8.9 miles to the north. Also nearby: Hackmans Falls (120 ft, 1.9 mi) and Fern Falls (35 ft, 9.7 mi).

Frazier Falls Hackmans Falls Fern Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.2 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Wild Plum Loop (#12E49), a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain with grades of 8-10%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

WILD PLUM LOOP #12E49

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

8-10%

USFS Segment

0.34 mi

Trail Description

USFS Trail: WILD PLUM LOOP (Trail #12E49). Trail type: out-and-back, length ~1.2 miles, elevation gain ~100 ft, difficulty: easy. Surface: native material; typical grade: 8–10%; USFS class: 3. The path is short and relatively well-defined, with modest grades and a natural tread that leads to viewpoints at the North Yuba River and the nearby PCT bridge.

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 Loves Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Loves Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring snow, making access more challenging.

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

Exercise caution near the river and falls, as the rocks can be slippery. During winter, snow and ice may make the trail hazardous. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

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.

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 217 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 4,746 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 126 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 181 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Loves Falls near Sierra City, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Loves Falls near Sierra City, California, showing about 217 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 4,746 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 217 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Loves Falls is located near the town of Sierra City, California. The trailhead is accessible from Highway 49, with parking available near the Wild Plum Campground. The falls can be reached via a short hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Wild Plum Campground, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

4,738 feet above sea level

Coordinates

39.580733° N, -120.607160° W

Land Management

Tahoe National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring water and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Arrive early during weekends or holidays to avoid crowds and secure parking.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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!

8.8 8 reviews

Dafna, Unit 3 - Two Bedroom, One Bath

8.0 1 reviews

See all hotels near Graeagle

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

SARDINE LAKE

2.7 miles away · 27 sites

Reservable

Overview Sardine Lake Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, near the beautiful Sardine Lakes. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest. Recreation Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and a restaurant. A large network of trails

Book on Recreation.gov