Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Potem Falls
Potem Falls is a stunning 70-foot waterfall located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. It cascades into a serene pool surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
The Setting
Potem Falls sits at 1,178 feet within Shasta National Forest, in the foothills of California. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Hatchet Creek Falls (30 ft) lies 5.2 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Potem Falls (#01W04), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
POTEM FALLS #01W04
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.30 miTrail Description
The trail to Potem Falls is short and relatively easy, with a gentle descent leading to the base of the waterfall. The path is well-trodden but may have uneven terrain in some areas. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear for safety.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. 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 Potem Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Potem Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Potem Falls is in the spring or early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Shasta National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution near the water and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Montgomery Creek 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 ground through the falls loses about 239 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 70 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,180 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 262 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 185 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,180 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 239 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
Getting There
Potem Falls is located near the town of Montgomery Creek, California. To reach the falls, take Potem Falls Road, a dirt road that is accessible by most vehicles. The trailhead is located near the end of the road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the trailhead. Visitors should arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,178 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.838766° N, -122.028333° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Be cautious on the trail as it can be slippery, especially after rain.
Where to Stay
Green Gables Motel & Suites
Comfort Suites Redding - Shasta Lake
Home2 Suites By Hilton Redding
Holiday Inn Express Redding North by IHG
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
Shasta Lake Area
8.5 miles away · 0 sites
** Due to fluctuating water levels on Shasta Lake, visitors are encouraged to contact the Shasta Recreation Company (concessionaire to the Forest Service) @ 530-275-8113 or the Shasta-Triinity National Forest, Shasta Lake Ranger Station at (530) 275-1587 for possible temporary campground closures. **The Shasta Unit is one of three units that comprise the Whiskeytown - Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. It was established by Congress in 1965. These areas were recognized for their unique and
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near McCloud, California
Big Bend Hot Springs
Big Bend Hot Springs surges at a scalding 180 degrees Fahrenheit from volcanic terrain at just 1,644 feet elevation, creating o...
Big Bend, California
Big Bend sits along a dramatic curve of the Pit River in Shasta County at 1,720 feet elevation, occupying territory historicall...
Hunt Hot Spring
Hunt Hot Spring produces 136-degree water from the forested slopes near McCloud in Siskiyou County at just 1,712 feet elevation...
Tuscan Springs
Tuscan Springs flows at 86°F in Tehama County near Red Bluff, with borax-impregnated waters chemically similar to the famous sp...
Hot Spring, Fumaroles
Hot Spring with fumaroles on Mount Shasta at 14,000 feet elevation represents one of California's highest thermal features, wit...
Mill Creek Springs
Mill Creek Springs flows at a spectacular 150°F within Lassen Volcanic National Park, making it one of California's hottest spr...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near McCloud, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and Shasta Lake are all located within driving distance.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes, especially in warmer months.
Cities near Potem Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
Writing about Potem Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.