Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,400.00 ft (426.72 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
8.00 mi (12.87 km)
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.

The Canyon Creek watershed is the most popular destination for hiking and backpacking in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Once you have witnessed this canyon's beauty, it is very easy to see why. During the summer months more than five waterfalls can be seen or heard from the trail to the Canyon Creek Lakes. During late spring and early summer over 50 waterfalls can be found in this watershed, some of which require backcountry travel to observe. The largest and most impressive of these waterfalls is Canyon Creek Falls. Here nearly all of the water from hundreds of small streams in the upper portions of the canyon flow over a series of large drops. 

This set of cascades is sometimes missed by travelers because they mistake the small falls a half mile up the trail for being Canyon Creek Falls, while All the while the real set of falls is nestled off the beaten path nearby. Off-trail travel and scrambling is necessary to access the falls. Because there is no official access trail, this can lead to damage being done by those searching for the waterfall. Please be respectful to the forest by minimizing your impact on the surrounding plants, animals, and waterways. The best location to leave the trail and head to the falls is immediately after crossing a large (often dry) creek bed. Immediately after the trail bends right there is a "Trail ->" sign. Instead of following the trail, go straight past this sign, into the forest, and down the hillside.

For any visitors looking to stay overnight near Canyon Creek Falls there are several sites near the smaller falls up the trail. Utilizing existing camps helps preserve the wilderness by concentrating use in a small area while leaving other areas untouched. Also, be sure to pick up a wilderness permit from the ranger station in Weaverville before heading out.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Incredible hidden falls. Large flows in spring.

Cons

Steep off-trail travel to the falls.

Trailhead Elevation

3,100.00 ft (944.88 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Big vistas
Fishing

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Adventures

Trinity Alps + Marble Mountain Wilderness, California

Comments

Diverse and beautiful trail filled with waterfalls, beautiful forest, spectacular granite peaks and green meadows. Then top it all off with some awesome camping spots around the glassy lakes.
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