Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
700.00 ft (213.36 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.00 mi (4.83 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 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.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Multiple waterfalls. Great views. Pristine meadows. Multiple routes.

Cons

Rocky trail.

Trailhead Elevation

7,300.00 ft (2,225.04 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

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