Chase Waterfalls Near Redding

Why Go

Before the dry season starts, as the temperatures warm up and the mountain snow melts, waterfalls in Northern California are at their peak. With lots of spectacular waterfalls accessible within a short drive, Redding is the perfect springtime destination for a weekend getaway.

There are 42 waterfalls in the Shasta Cascade region, and obviously, you can’t visit them all in one short trip. We’ll highlight a few of them to get you started.

Burney Falls is the most famous waterfall in the region, partly because President Theodore Roosevelt called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” With a 129-foot drop, it’s certainly an impressive, thundering waterfall. Keep in mind that its fame draws crowds, so plan on arriving early.

Compared to Burney Falls, King’s Creek Falls, with its 40-foot drop, might seem small, but it more than makes up for it in sheer beauty. Bring your camera and capture a scene that’s worthy of hanging on your wall.

Potem Falls is a 70-foot waterfall that drops into a large pool that’s perfect for swimming. You reach it via an easy quarter-mile hike, so this is an excellent option for families with kids.

Another popular option is Little Backbone Creek. After a short 20-minute hike, your reward is a natural waterslide that’s perfect for warm, sunny days. It’s popular with people visiting Shasta Lake as the trailhead is easy to access via boat.