Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
700.00 ft (213.36 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.00 mi (8.05 km)
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Another hidden gem in the Northern California area, Root Creek Falls is located within the Castle Crags Wilderness and offers an extremely cool view and falls. Cascading from the creek above, the creek falls through four separate drops and into the pools below each one. From straight on it looks like one massive cascading fall, but if you are willing to climb above or even into the ravine, you'll see the separate pools and the great personality of these falls.

There are two options to get in. You can pay the parking fee and have an easy, flat hike in to the steep uphill section, or you can park at the Soda Creek exit and enter on the PCT, which adds more climbing and about another mile (but is free). Once you hit the end of the level section you'll reach a small use trail continuing up into the woods. This trail climbs about 400 feet for another half-mile until you hit the loud falls. Once at the falls, enjoy the view from a precarious overlook, hike up to the higher falls, or hike into the ravine! If you do venture into the ravine, be prepared for some thrilling scrambling and light bouldering, be prepared to get wet, and be prepared to relax and enjoy this local hidden secret!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Secluded. Multiple entrance options. A lot of shade.

Cons

Dangerous ledges.

Trailhead Elevation

2,600.00 ft (792.48 m)

Features

Rock climbing
Waterfalls
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Fishing
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

California, Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area
Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area, California
California, Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area

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