6 BEST Waterfalls Near Redding

Waterfalls near Redding?! Yes, it’s true! Within an hour, you can visit all of these waterfalls!

They all require a hike; some are easy peasy, and some might have you questioning if you’re a human or a mountain goat.

If you’re ready to head out of the city, you can spend a couple of days chasing these waterfalls.

1. Crystal Creek Falls

Distance: 0.7 miles round trip
Type of Trail: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 55 feet

Other important notes:

• Dogs are allowed
• There is a fee for this trail

Outside the city, you’ll find an easy-to-visit waterfall perfect for a day trip.

Sure, it might be human-made, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful, and the walk is short and paved, making it very accessible and one of the best things to do in Redding.

From the parking lot, you will easily be able to see the path that makes its way down to the falls, and after about a quarter of a mile of hiking, you will arrive at a picturesque rest area, complete with BBQ and picnic tables.

You can then continue on the main path to see the falls from the road or take the smaller path down to the falls themselves and get close enough to feel the spray on your face.

2. Brandy Creek Falls

Distance: 2.9 miles round trip
Type of Trail: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 705 feet

Other important notes:

• Dogs are allowed
• There is a fee for this trail

The trail to Brandy Creek is moderately steep, but seeing as you end at an epic waterfall, it is well worth it.

To reach the falls, you will have to traverse an old logging road, a forest, and a narrow box canyon before you get the vantage point of the falls.

After taking in the natural beauty of the falls, you can continue along the trail for another 0.25 miles to Upper Falls, crossing a few plank bridges along the way.

Things can get a little scary here, as this next bit is not for the faint of heart. You will literally have to rock climb, using the footholds in the rock and the iron railings to pull yourself up to the Upper Falls.

Your reward? An incredible 50-foot waterfall. Although the lower falls are pretty, this is the real gem, set in an awe-inspiring landscape. You will be glad you put in the effort to reach it.

3. Hedge Creek Falls

Distance: 0.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 150 feet

Other important notes:

• Dogs are allowed
• There is no fee for this trail

Hedge Creek Falls is is just a bit north of Redding an worth a visit. This 35-foot waterfall might not tower over you, but its beauty and the cave behind it sure is cool!

The best time to visit is in the spring when the flow is just right—it’s a mere trick during the dryer months.

It’s an easy trek, so if you’re looking for a chill wander with a friend or with the family, this is your spot. Plus, the trail is pretty straightforward, so you won’t need a breadcrumb trail to find your way back.

4. Burney Falls

Distance: 1.0 mile
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 160 feet

Other important notes:

• Dogs are not allowed
• There is a fee for this trail – $10

Burney Falls is not your average waterfall; it’s one of the coolest waterfalls near Redding and perhaps one of the most popular in the state! It’s certainly a favorite in our book.

Standing at 129 feet, its powerful flow doesn’t quit, making it a year-round spectacle. Peak flow happens during spring and early summer, but who are we kidding? It’s stunning any time of the year.

The loop trail gives you all the angles for gawking and appreciating its unique flow. The water seemingly pours out of the mossy rocks, not just from the top.

5. McCloud Falls

Distance: 3.9 miles round trip
Type of Trail: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 340 feet

Other important notes:

• Dogs are allowed
• There is no fee for this trail

McCloud Falls is the trio you didn’t know you needed in your life, with Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls each bringing something to the table.

The entire hike is nearly 4 miles, but you can choose your adventure based on how much trail mix you’ve packed and where you parked! Each falls has a parking lot so if you don’t have time for a hike, just pop out of your car.

The Middle Falls is the showstopper at 50 feet high, and it’s where you’ll want to spend a good chunk of your time.

Spring and early summer are prime times to visit when the water is really showing off. We loved just spending the day slowly wandering the trail and chilling at each waterfall.

6. Kings Creek Falls

Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Type of Trail: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Other important notes:

• Dogs are not allowed
• There is a fee for this trail

Kings Creek Falls is a bit more of a trek, with a 700-foot elevation gain, but the payoff is a stunning 40-foot cascade through a lush, volcanic landscape.

Late spring to early summer is the sweet spot for visiting, when the snowmelt boosts the falls into a frenzy of activity.

The trail itself offers a bit of everything—shade, sun, and even a few spots that make you go, “Am I a mountain goat now?” Yes, yes, you are.

This waterfall near Redding is in Lassen National Park, which deserves a whole day or longer on its own!

We hope this guide helped you plan your trip to chase waterfalls in Redding!

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