A little more than a half mile off of the Gold Lake Highway, you’ll find this spectacular Northern California waterfall. Fern Falls is 35 feet tall and surrounded by gorgeous Sierra pine trees.

There are two Fern Falls in Northern California. The most well-known is Fern Falls located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in the northwest part of the state.
David Spangler/Google Images
This Fern Falls is located in Graeagle in Plumas National Forest. It is the lesser-known of the two falls.
To get to Fern Falls, you’ll park at the Fern Falls Overlook Trailhead. You’ll want to take the Fern Falls Sunset Loop Trail, which is less than a half-mile hike.
Aaron Zorndorf/AllTrails
This waterfall isn’t as tall as some of the others in the area, but it is stunning nonetheless. The best time to visit is April through October.
Fern Falls is located on a creek that’s an off-shoot of Gray Eagle Creek. Some frequent hikers note that the trail is not always well-maintained, so be sure to wear good walking shoes or hiking boots.
Helena Zorndorf/AllTrails
A short bridge has also been out of commission since July 2021, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from going around to see the falls anyway.

Related Stories

Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns In Northern California, One For Each Month Of The Year

Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns In Northern California, One For Each Month Of The Year

 There Are Sand Dunes In Northern California That Looks Just Like Imperial Sand Dunes, But Hardly Anyone Knows They Exist

There Are Sand Dunes In Northern California That Looks Just Like Imperial Sand Dunes, But Hardly Anyone Knows They Exist

 Take A Hidden Rocky Staircase To A Northern California Overlook That Offers Views Of The Ocean

Take A Hidden Rocky Staircase To A Northern California Overlook That Offers Views Of The Ocean
In addition to the falls, people love this trail because of the beautiful mountain views.
Paul Remmenga/AllTrails
Even if you’re making a quick stop on the way to somewhere else, try to take some time to enjoy the views and maybe snap some photos. Go ahead and bring your dog, but keep them on a leash, per park rules.
At nearly 6,000 feet elevation, Fern Falls does get snow.
Jo Ann Cobb/AllTrails
The trail is still open in the winter, but it can be difficult to see where the trail is located. Still, plenty of people enjoy getting out there in the cold weather to see the waterfall flow.
The nearby Frazer Falls Trail is a popular trail. At a little more than a mile, it is also a family-friendly hike.
Hailey Cowden/AllTrails
However, frequent hikers have noted that the falls are occasionally dry while Fern Falls is usually running.

 

Have you hiked this short trail in Clio? What did you think of Fern Falls? Tell us what time of year you visited and what you thought of this short trail to the falls.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Northern California

Featured Addresses
Fern Falls, California 96103, USA