Whiskeytown Falls

Whiskeytown Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area that drops 220 feet (67 meters) in successive cascades through a mixed conifer forest. The water flows over smooth rock faces and creates a cool, moist environment around the base of the falls.

The waterfall was first discovered by park rangers in 1967 but its location became forgotten for many years. When it was rediscovered in 2004, a formal trail was constructed and opened to visitors in 2006.

The James K. Carr Trail, spanning 1.7 miles to the falls, honors a key figure who established the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area.

The hike to the waterfall requires moderate to strenuous effort with significant elevation change. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions.

After its 1967 discovery, the waterfall became so difficult to locate that it remained practically unknown for decades, with only experienced hikers stumbling upon it by accident. Its rediscovery showed that hidden places can exist even in well-known protected areas.

Location: California

Website: https://nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/waterfalls-of-whiskeytown.htm

GPS coordinates: 40.62639,-122.66917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04