Are there fees or permits required for Whitney Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Whitney Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Whitney Falls.

Live Conditions · 83 ft³/s · About average

Whitney Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Whitney Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Whitney Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Shasta National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

m01229 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

David~O CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

~jar{} CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

rocbolt CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Whitney Falls

Whitney Falls is a seasonal waterfall located on the northern slopes of Mount Shasta in California. It is known for its dramatic drop and scenic surroundings, but its flow is highly dependent on snowmelt and rainfall, often drying up in late summer or during drought years.

The Setting

Whitney Falls sits at 6,621 feet within Shasta National Forest, in the high mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Ash Creek Falls (290 ft) lies 6.7 miles to the southeast.

Ash Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.5 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Whitney (#03W33), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

WHITNEY #03W33

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.09 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Whitney Falls is a moderately challenging hike that traverses through forested terrain and volcanic landscapes. The path can be rocky and uneven in places, with some sections requiring careful footing. The waterfall is most impressive during spring and early summer when snowmelt feeds its flow.

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 Whitney Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Whitney 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 during these seasons.

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 Shasta National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of loose rocks and uneven footing on the trail. Seasonal snow and ice may make the trail hazardous in winter and early spring. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

Based on a USGS gauge 23 miles away

83 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

42 67 108 121

Based on 41 years of record

1.54 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

SHASTA R NR MONTAGUE CA

USGS 11517000

23 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 673 sq mi

Altitude: 2,467 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SHASTA R NR MONTAGUE CA (37 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

83 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

83 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

84 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

86 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

89 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

92 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

114 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

116 cfs

8/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to early March, 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 Carrick 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 Whitney Falls dropping about 413 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 6,635 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 49 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 170 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Whitney Falls near Carrick, California, showing about 413 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,635 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 413 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

Whitney Falls is accessed via the Whitney Falls Trailhead, located off Everitt Memorial Highway near Mount Shasta. The trailhead can be reached by car, but the road conditions may vary depending on the season.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area at the trailhead, but space may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

6,621 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.461263° N, -122.240011° W

Land Management

Shasta National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check trail conditions before visiting, as snow or fallen trees may obstruct the path. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed in some areas. Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to uneven terrain.

This trail sits at 6,621 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 2.5 miles and 500 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.

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

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

Nearby Campground

RED FIR FLAT GROUP CAMPGROUND

8.1 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Red Fir Flat Group Campground is located on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta at 6,400 feet in elevation. Snowpack in this location may extend into late June on heavy snow years, and usually sees late season snowfall in early November, possibly October. It is a popular site for meditation/retreat groups. Maximum stay limit is 7 days per group and or indvidual(s) Recreation Most visitors enjoy the peace and solitude of the forest setting. Several hiking trails are located nearby, including

Book on Recreation.gov