10 waterfalls in Northern California
Northern California is among the most beautiful states, if not the most beautiful region, of the United States to visit, and for nature lovers, it could easily be paradise. Inasmuch as there can be nothing as wonderful as natural scenery, waterfalls are some of the best natural attractions in the region. The following is a list of 10 waterfalls in Northern California where tourists will be able to see the might of nature up close.
It’s true, there are several waterfalls scattered around this world wonder, and in this article, we will show you some of the most beautiful ones, including their best views, possible visiting times, and the trails that lead to these falls. These 10 waterfalls in Northern California will make you appreciate the beauty of the world, even if you have never set foot on a trail before.
The Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park
This is basically so because, due to the snow meltage of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the beauty of the falls is perhaps most accentuated during the spring, and the people enjoying the beauty of the falls get to feel the power of water and steam.
For instance, tourists who wish to view Yosemite Falls have viewing overlooks that are easily accessible, especially within Yosemite Village. For those who have a little bit of energy to exert, they can hike up to a closer view of the fall. The Upper Yosemite Fall trail is a rather tough one, but the hike is worth it. You get to watch the valley and then really feel the energy of the waterfall.
Burney Falls,
Burney Falls is another of the 10 waterfalls in Northern California that must be visited, commonly known as the ”Eighth Wonder of the World.” This waterfall is located in Utah and has its source in springs; thus, there is water throughout the year at 129 feet. Perhaps the single most exceptional feature of Burney Falls is the water gushing out of the greenish overhang of the cliff, which disperses droplets of water and gives off the feeling of a fresh shower.
It is not a difficult trail to follow, as it is paved, so individuals of all ages and physical abilities can get quite close to the falls. Those who like a longer walk can try the Falls Loop Trail, where there is a one-mile route that gives different vantage points of the falls and the forest.
McCloud Falls, Shasta-Trinity National Forests
These falls are in our feature about the Ten Waterfalls in Northern California, and it clearly shows that Northern California does not only have big and powerful waterfalls.
The Upper Falls is a splendid natural fall with a reasonable water drop that forms a plunging stream and then drops into a wide pool, while the Middle Falls is a wide curtain-like fall that is highly photogenic. Falling in a portion of the river that is somewhat less steep, the Lower Falls provide great swimming when the weather is hot. Two of these streams converge and thus make a circle with all three falls; therefore, if you plan to explore the gamut of the falls, you will be in for a good trail as a reward.
Plumas National Forest is located near Feather Falls.
Feather Falls is one of those totally secluded waterfalls situated in Northern California, among ten of them. Contrary to this, few tourists visit this 410-foot waterfall, but those who get there are accorded a splendid view. The Feather Falls hike is moderate (4.5 miles round trip), and the views and the site are stunning at the top.
Alamere Falls and Point Reyes National Seashore
This is a natural phenomenon that seldom occurs where water with clear-cut differentiation between the river water and the Pacific Ocean water rushes over a cliff and pours onto the beach.
The Alamere Falls hike is strenuous, and there is a technical aspect when approaching the trail head at the beach, especially when approaching the end part of the trail. But the view of the 40-foot waterfall and the sea, powerful waves, curves, and powerful cliffs makes the sight more divine.
Mossbrae Falls, Dunsmuir
Mossbrae Falls remains our next waterfall on the list of 10 waterfalls in Northern California. Mossbrae Falls is not a single plunge waterfall but many spring-fed waterfalls with continuous flow falling over a mossy cliff and forming a wall of water 175 feet in length opening to the Sacramento River.
Visiting these falls is always a special experience; however, it is necessary to mention that they can be visited at the moment only partially due to security reasons. Moves are being made to construct a secure and legal way to the falls that will not entail infringing the rights of the locals. If at all possible, Mossbrae Falls is one of the most tranquil and somewhat surreal waterfalls, showcasing a curtain of water cascading over mossy greens.
Hedge Creek Falls, Dunsmuir
Another beautiful waterfall is Hedge Creek Falls, which is situated close to Mossbrae Falls and is among the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Northern California. This 35-foot waterfall generally offers a somewhat unusual experience compared to other waterfalls. The feature that makes this waterfall unique is the fact that there is a natural cave at the back of the waterfall, through which people can go through the water for a different view.
The primary trail that leads to Hedge Creek Falls is short and relatively easy; the railing makes it suitable for most visitors; and at the end of the trail, there is a convenient viewing platform from which visitors can admire views of Mount Shasta on the horizon. Thus, the waterfall, the cave, and the view of the mountain are located in Hedge Creek Falls, hence being considered the best place to visit.
Whiskeytown Falls is a cascade located in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
The trip to Whiskeytown Falls is somewhat strenuous; however, the trail is wide and has been reinforced with stairs so that visitors can climb right beside the falls. This close-quarter feel of the rushing water makes it one of the best out of the 10 waterfalls in Northern California.
Specifically, some of the involved geographical locations include the Phantom Falls of the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.
Coal Canyon Falls, also often referred to as Phantom Falls, is actually a seasonal waterfall that proves how nature can be really temporary at times. This is the tallest waterfall in the park, measuring 164 feet, and it is magnificent during the wet season, which is from late winter through spring. At this time, it makes a magnificent spectacle by leaping over a basalt precipice
Phantom Falls and the trail it sits on go through the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. This area springs to life in terms of wild flowers during the spring. Which is why the sight of the array of flowers in their varied colors against the backdrop of the fairly large waterfall makes it one of the best feelings when visiting the 10 waterfalls in Northern California.
Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes
Technically, it is in the eastern Sierra Nevada, but due to its location and the beauty of the falls, many people consider it to be in the Northern California waterfalls. The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River has this stunning 101-foot waterfall from which a rainbow appears most of the time when the sun is out.
The trail to Rainbow Falls has scenes of the adjacent forest and can be followed to Lower Falls. The sound of the water is incredibly loud, and the misting spray is incredible fun, so we can guarantee that out of all the ten waterfalls in Northern California, this one is ideal for hot summer days.
Conclusion
Specifically, the above-described 10 waterfalls belong to the waterfalls that North California hosts, which in fact will leave everyone speechless when experiencing the natural bounty of the region. These waterfalls, ranging from the Yosemite Falls, which is seen as the giantess of waterfalls, to the Hedge Creek Falls, which is looked at as a cute waterfall, have different narratives about the land through which they flow.
It is from this list that you can select the ten most beautiful waterfalls of Northern California based on your preference of either a challenging hike or an easy walk, or even the sound of a thunderous torrent, or just the sight of a veil of water or even just a trickle of water. Truly, Northern California has them all.
While planning your tours in these natural habitats, you should always embrace eco-tourism. Hike only on designated trails, carry out all the trash that you brought in, and do not harm living things, plants or otherwise. Thus, it will be possible to keep ten waterfalls in Northern California as clean as they are now for our children and their children.
Every one of them is giving a different experience, a milisecond of silence, and the thought of how lucky we are to have such rich nature here in this part of the earth.