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Feather Falls
semi-loop

MODERATE DAY HIKE

8.2 miles  1,500' elevation gain

best season: 
Oct-May
but not if snow below:
3,000'
 

1:05 drive

dogs welcome

Closed until Mar 10, 2023 due to the effects of the North Complex Fire

may be closed for years

This is the most popular of the Valley/Foothill hikes.  The upper trail is wide, smooth, and easy.  The lower trail is shorter, but steep on the way out.  The viewing platform is safe, but scary.

The waterfall is an impressive 415' high*  Fall River has good flow throughout the year, unlike many California waterfalls that are greatly reduced in summer and fall.

Not recommended if snow is below 3,000' elevation.

Fall color best in November.  Flowers best in April

This hike is in Plumas National Forest; owned by the public, managed by Plumas National Forest. Backpacking welcomed; campfires welcomed except late Summer & early Fall.

* plus or minus 5'    See composite photo of measurement.
Contrary to some claims by the US Forest Service dating back to at least the 1960s, the falls are not the 6th highest in the US, and are not 640' high.  This erroneous number has been repeated countless times in textbooks, travel brochures, trail guides, and on the web.

Our measurement has now been confirmed (410') by Waterfalls West using a different technique.

current weather forecast

Street View of trailhead road junction

Maps

Avenza version

Adobe PDF version

KML track of hike