Kings Creek Falls

The hike to Kings Creek Falls can be completed along two different trails: the Cascades Trail and the horse loop. The Cascade Trail follows a steep descent through boulders and down rocky steps but offers close views of the cascades. The horse loop is slightly longer and less steep but has great views of the park. Perhaps take one trail down and the other on the way back to make a well rounded trip.

Kings Creek is a beautiful waterway that begins near the base of Lassen Peak. Throughout the year the water of this creek is very cold. In the meadows just above the trailhead the water temperature has been measured at 42 degrees. Many pristine meadows lie along Kings Creek, and these are great locations to spot mule deer and wildflowers. Because of the elevation, this area gets covered in snow in the winter. The impacts of this snow can be seen in the California red firs. Constant pressure from snow bends these trees, sometimes to the point of breaking. Those that do not break under the pressure adapt by growing in unusual formations.