Is swimming allowed at Mill Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mill Creek Falls.

Mill Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mill Creek Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Mill Creek Falls.

California • Lassen Volcanic National Park • 75 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Mill Creek Falls, see below

Lassen Volcanic National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

NAParish CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

ray_explores CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Mill Creek Falls

Mill Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. It is known for its stunning 75-foot drop where East Sulphur Creek and Bumpass Creek converge, creating a powerful and scenic cascade.

The Setting

Mill Creek Falls sits at 6,427 feet within Lassen Volcanic National Park, in the high mountains of California. The falls drop 75 feet.

Height: 75 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kings Creek Falls (30 ft) lies 4.0 miles to the east.

Kings Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.8 mi distance 600 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Mill Creek Falls is well-maintained and winds through a forested area with scenic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The trail includes some moderate elevation gain and a few rocky sections, but it is manageable for most hikers with a moderate fitness level.

What to Expect

The falls drop 75 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mill Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mill Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Lassen Volcanic National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Stay on the designated trail to avoid damaging the environment or putting yourself at risk. In winter, snow and ice can make the trail hazardous.

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.

1-meter lidar measures about 183 feet of descent through Mill Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 75 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 6,433 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 137 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 88 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mill Creek Falls near Mineral, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mill Creek Falls near Mineral, California, showing about 183 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: 6,433 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 183 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

Mill Creek Falls is accessible via Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trailhead begins near the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, which is located off Highway 89.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

6,427 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.440437° N, -121.513036° W

Land Management

Lassen Volcanic National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven in places. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check weather conditions before your visit, as snow or ice may make the trail more challenging in winter.

This trail sits at 6,427 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.8 miles and 600 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.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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.

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.

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

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Nearby Campground

SUMMIT LAKE SOUTH

5.8 miles away · 48 sites

Reservable

Overview Summit Lake South Campground (elevation 6,700 ft.) is conveniently located on the main road of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground is within walking distance of the small but scenic Summit Lake and eight miles from the 10,457-ft. Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park. Hikers will find one of the park's major trails only 1/4-mile away from the campground and many more within a close proximity. Summit Lake South is on the opposite side of the lake from Summit Lake North Ca

Book on Recreation.gov