One of the best ways to keep cool during the summer months is to find a local swimming hole, and we’re here to tell you that it’s much easier than you think. Northern California’s waterfall swimming holes are the ultimate summer haven, combining refreshing waters and breathtaking natural beauty. These hidden gems provide a much-needed escape from the scorching summer heat, offering a cool and invigorating experience. As we’ve discussed before the magic of McCloud River in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, we’re going to pinpoint one specific waterfall along this river that deserves to be at the top of your NorCal swimming hole list – Middle Falls.

Northern California is blessed with an abundance of waterfalls, each with its own unique charm. One such waterfall is Middle Falls - a true slice of paradise on the McCloud River.
AllTrails Sofie Thorgaard
Picture the soothing sound of rushing water, sunlight dancing on the surface, and the refreshing mist on your face as you take it all in.
Flickr W Tipton
Three waterfall tiers on the McCloud River make for one epic AllTrails hike. However, there is something about the Middle Falls that really stands out.
Flickr Suzanne Neubauer

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Larger than both Lower and Upper Falls, Middle Falls features a stunning 40-foot cascade, appearing almost as if it’s a curtain of water again the boulders behind.
AllTrails Chris Anderson
Middle Falls is slightly less accessible than Lower Falls, which is likely why it isn’t as popular. But hikers can take the path from the walking area and carefully navigate over the basalt lava rocks to make their way to the spring-fed swimming hole.
Flickr Daniel Parks
The 3.9-mile trail you’ll take to get to all three falls and back is considered smooth and well-maintained. It’s also open-year round, despite being particularly fun during the summer months.
AllTrails Ang SueBoo
Enjoy a perfect summer swimming hole in Shasta’s Trinity National Forest, and get ready for an experience you won’t forget.
AllTrails Candy De La Torre

What do you think about this waterfall swimming hole in NorCal? Would you spend a summer afternoon here keeping cool? Sound off in the comments section! As always, use extreme caution when swimming in any body of water in Northern California. Make sure before you enter the water, you take heed of any warning signs or postings on the trail.

Want to make an entire weekend out of your adventure? Check out this hotel and campground on the side of Mount Shasta made for adventurers.

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McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USA