Angel Falls Loop

This trail follows the North Fork of Willow Creek up a designated path overlooking the creek and the series of falls down the granite creek path before crossing the water and returning along a route often right beside the waterflow.

Situated within Sierra National Forest land a short distance upstream from Bass Lake, the Angel Falls trails is a short steep climb and descent along a picturesque section of Willow Creek. Aside from a trailhead sign and warnings of the slippery and dangerous terrain, there is little development at all in the area.

Beginning from the dirt parking area beyond an unsigned but open gate, hikers must follow use paths to cross the creek and follow the closed road on the stream's east side for a short distance until reaching a signed trailhead. The signage warns of hiking the trail in wet conditions, as the slick rock surface and high slopes have been a deadly combination in the past. The path ascends the dirt above the granite creek path before it curves in and reaches a flat spot in the creek, along with a wire cart used to transport materials across the water. 

During calmer flow, this area can be a peaceful spot to sit or lay out beside the creek. After crossing the creek here, the route descends along the patchy stone at the creek's side. It's possible here to walk out and catch views of the series of falls, or even to find a swimming and wading area in the pools beneath the sections of falls. 

While there is often not a clearly signed path, you can easily follow the use paths paralleling the creek, all of which lead ot the same place.

At 1.1 miles, the hike is not long, however is fairly steep and technical. Hikers should be especially cautious about taking on this hike during high flow or following wet conditions.

While on national forest land, there are no developments at the trailhead and no cost to park. The dirt road to the parking spot can be extremely rutted and rough for smaller cars.