Sandy beach
No
Cliff jumping
Yes
Hike-in Required
Yes
Sensitive Habitat
Yes
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Technically located on the North Fork of the North Fork of the American River, North Fork Falls is a secluded and picturesque stretch of tributary on the western slope of the Sierra. Here, tucked under the limbs of an evergreen forest, a series of refreshing pools and cascading waterfalls await the summer swimming-hole seeker.

Those in search of a thrilling way to cool off will find cliff jumps ranging in height from 10 to 25 feet, where millennia of winter snowmelt has carved away the granite and left  beautiful cascades. A waterfall at the upper pool offers the largest jump; smaller options are available at the lower pool. While the upper pool requires either a jump from above or a scramble up rocks to access, the lower pools are family friendly and easily reachable from the trail. 

The falls and pools are reached by following the river a quarter-mile downstream from the North Fork Campground. The trail begins near site 10. The trail parallels the river and then drops down below the falls, providing easy access.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Secluded waterfalls. Fun jumps. Nearby camping.

Cons

None.

Features

Sensitive Habitat

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

07/12/2017
must be fit and agile to make it to the water. nice easy hike to the point where you get to the falls, then steep and slightly treacherous.
08/13/2016
Beautiful place!
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