Is swimming allowed at Lower Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Falls.

Lower Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Lower Falls.

California • 185 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 19 other waterfalls also named Lower Falls, see below

Shasta National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Eric Leslie CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

JingKe888 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Eric Leslie CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

W. Tipton CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

scot2342 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Lower Falls

Lower Falls is a striking 320-foot cascade tucked into Shasta National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Though not a remote backcountry spectacle, the falls deliver a dramatic vertical drop and a close-up viewing experience that’s easy to fit into a half-day outing. The setting feels intimate — a quick stop that rewards visitors with clear sightlines to the torrent and surrounding forested slopes. Access to the main viewpoint is provided by the USFS LOWER FALLS VIEW trail (Trail #01E01D), a short paved loop that keeps the approach simple and welcoming. If you’re camping, FOWLERS CAMPGROUND sits just 0.36 km away, making this waterfall a convenient evening or morning destination for tent- or car-campers. The overall vibe is relaxed and family-friendly: brief, scenic, and well worth a short detour on a Shasta National Forest day trip.

The Setting

Lower Falls sits at 3,241 feet within Shasta National Forest, in the mountains of California. At 185 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 185 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Middle Falls (50 ft) lies 0.8 miles to the east.

Middle Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.0 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Lower Falls View (#01E01D), a 1.0-mile loop trail over pavement. Expect 50 feet of elevation gain with grades of 0-5%. The trail is fully developed (Class 5).

USFS Trail

LOWER FALLS VIEW #01E01D

Trail Class

Fully Developed

Surface

Asphalt

Avg Grade

0-5%

USFS Segment

0.09 mi

Trail Description

Trail name/number: LOWER FALLS VIEW, Trail #01E01D (managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Shasta National Forest). Surface: ASPHALT. Typical grade: 0–5%. USFS trail class: 5. Mapped GIS segment: 0.09 miles; the commonly described loop distance is approximately 1.0 mile. Elevation gain: ~50 feet. Difficulty: easy. Trail type: loop. This is a short, paved loop with a gentle grade, making for a brief, straightforward walk to the primary viewpoints of the falls. The asphalt surface and low grade keep footing reliable and the route easy to follow; plan for a quick out-and-back or a relaxed loop that links conveniently with nearby FOWLERS CAMPGROUND (0.36 km).

What to Expect

The falls plunge 185 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is paved and may be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Contact the managing agency to confirm current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. However, the falls may still flow during other seasons, depending on rainfall and snowpack.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Shasta National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The area near the falls can be slippery due to mist. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall. Be cautious of wildlife and follow park regulations.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near McCloud 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 65 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. Older listings give 320 feet, but the laser survey finds only about 185 feet of descent along the line through the falls, so this page shows the lidar figure. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,235 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 66 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 58 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lower Falls near McCloud, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lower Falls near McCloud, California, showing about 65 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,235 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 65 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Getting There

Lower Falls is easily accessible from Yosemite Valley. Visitors can park at Yosemite Village or nearby lots and follow signs to the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at Yosemite Village and other designated lots in Yosemite Valley. During peak seasons, parking may be limited, and shuttle services are recommended.

Elevation

3,241 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.242103° N, -122.025556° W

Land Management

Shasta National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during spring and summer. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a rain jacket or poncho if visiting during high flow, as mist from the falls can drench visitors.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

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

Where to Stay

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

FOWLERS CAMPGROUND

0.2 miles away · 36 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Fowlers Campground is located on the Upper McCloud River five miles east of McCloud, California. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer and oak woodland. The campground offers paved parking spurs, running water and vault restrooms.Recreation A river-side trail from the campground provides access to the falls. It is approximately three miles round trip to see all three. Swimming and fishing are other popular activities. This section of river has no special restrictions for fishing.

Book on Recreation.gov