Are there fees or permits required for The Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at The Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at The Falls.

Live Conditions · 5,100 ft³/s · Lower than usual

The Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at The Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at The Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 20 other waterfalls also named The Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

ronknight777 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

lilyrothrock CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

ronknight777 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

lilyrothrock CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About The Falls

The Falls, located near Sutter, California, is a lesser-known waterfall in the region. It may be a seasonal waterfall, with flow depending on rainfall and snowmelt. The surrounding area is rural and offers scenic views of the countryside.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Details about the trail leading to The Falls are not well-documented. It is advised to research local hiking forums or contact nearby park services for updated trail information.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a quiet, rural setting with potential views of a seasonal waterfall. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on recent weather conditions.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at The Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at The Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is likely the best time to visit, as the waterfall may have the most flow due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential changes in water flow. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

5,100 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5.0k 5.7k 8.2k 9.2k

Based on 80 years of record

40.72 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SACRAMENTO R A COLUSA CA

USGS 11389500

9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 12,090 sq mi

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SACRAMENTO R A COLUSA CA (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

5100 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

5100 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

5077 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

5031 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

5023 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

5016 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

4970 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

4847 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid January to early April, peaking in February.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sutter 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 113 feet through The Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 560 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 66 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 74 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around The Falls near Sutter, California, showing about 113 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 560 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 113 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The Falls is located approximately 7.1 miles from Sutter, 7.5 miles from Meridian, and 8.7 miles from Colusa. The exact access route is unclear, but it is recommended to use GPS coordinates (39.2282, -121.8328) for navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is uncertain. Visitors should prepare for limited or roadside parking options.

Elevation

564 feet above sea level

Coordinates

39.228223° N, -121.832750° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the area may lack clear signage. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall's flow may depend on recent rainfall.