Sandy beach
No
Cliff jumping
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Sensitive Habitat
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Hatchet Creek Falls is a popular swimming hole and cliff jumping destination in Shasta County. The falls are split by a fallen tree that has been made into a makeshift staircase, providing easy and fun access to surrounding cliffs. There are many places to jump from of varying height. In winter months the water is near freezing due to snowmelt, but in the summer months the temperature warms a bit and is a perfect escape from the heat.

There are two paths to reach the falls. By far the easiest follows the edge of the creek after exiting the tunnel of vegetation. The more difficult path travels to the right and up the hill.

The source of Hatchet Creek lies between Snow, Green, and Clover Mountains in the Lassen National Forest. From here many smaller spring-fed creeks join Hatchet Creek before the falls. A few miles downstream the creek fills the Pit 7 Reservoir that provides electricity to surrounding areas by means of a hydroelectric dam.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Deep swimming holes. Cliffs of varying heights. Waterfall.

Cons

Crowded on occaision. Slippery path.

Features

Sensitive Habitat

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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

Comments

07/02/2017
If you're thinking of going, please do! Incredibly fun hike/ adventure. When you do go take the trail on the right of the gravel pull-out. The left leads downstream, and it's much easier to reach the falls going right. Water was freezing, but so refreshing!
06/18/2016
The falls are running great right now and are nice and chilly from the snow melt! Ideal for the triple digits already here in Norcal!
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