Here in Northern California, it’s always a good season for waterfall enthusiasts. This incredible waterfall in Northern California is like something out of a dream, no matter what time of year it is. If you don’t mind a fun little walk, you should definitely check out this pleasant hike to Hedge Creek Falls near Dunsmuir. If you’ve ever searched for waterfalls near me in Northern California, this is the one you’ve been looking for!

If you are driving along I-5, you might miss this wonderful hidden gem.
Rawbff15/Wikimedia
It's tucked away and is often overlooked for some of the larger falls in the area. We think it's pretty spectacular, though.
As you are driving from Dunsmuir on I-5 and you begin to climb up toward Mount Shasta, you may notice signs proclaiming the park at Hedge Creek Falls is near.
Simon Ladesma/Flickr
Although many travelers may be curious about the waterfall, they often don't stop and simply continue on toward the giant volcano further up the highway.
We strongly, definitely, seriously suggest taking this little detour. It's well worth it!
J N/Yelp
This is a short but pretty little hike, and you will love the hidden waterfall tucked away into the mountainside.
The path to Hedge Creek Falls begins at a small picnic area that is situated just across the road from the parking area.
DennyLee L./Yelp
There, you'll stumble upon a table, gazebo, and water fountain. This is how you know you're on the right trek. Keep going!

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From here, the trail goes downhill at a very moderate slope. It's less than a mile round trip - just 0.7 miles total.
DennyLee L./Yelp
On your hike back up, you will gain only about 200 feet in elevation. It's one of the most accessible hikes in the area.
J N/Yelp
The falls, of course, are what truly make the trek worthwhile.
Sean B./Yelp
The falls are a tributary of the Sacramento River, and they plunge about 30-35 feet down into a small pool.
The coolest thing about this spot is the small cave right behind the cascade that you can crawl into. Rumor has it that a bank robber hid out here for a while in the 1870s. Needless to say, it's a pretty cool little secret nook.
Joan C Wrenn/Flickr
Hedge Creek Falls are also known as "Million Dollar Falls" because when Interstate 5 was first built, original construction plans called for Hedge Creek Falls to be buried beneath the freeway. Local residents complained so bitterly that the highway was relocated further into the hills.

Check out this lovely video made by YouTube User TheJdride.

Are you ready to get hiking? Enjoy the experience! Which amazing waterfall in Northern California is your favorite? Tell us all about it in the comments!

For more waterfall fun in Northern California, you should read the Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Northern California’s Waterfalls.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me in Northern California

Tori Jane | July 30, 2021

What are the most amazing natural wonders in Northern California?  

There are so many different things that one could easily consider a “wonder” in Northern California that it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to just some. However, we might as well start with the historically obvious; once upon a time, President Theodore Roosevelt referred to Burney Falls, near Redding, as “the eighth wonder of the world”, and we agree. It’s a spellbinding 129-foot-tall beast of a waterfall with multiple “legs” to it. It’s incredible, and everyone’s got to see it at least once. Of course, there’s also the Redwood Forest, where the trees are so incredibly enormous that one could drive a car through them and there’s trees cut for cars to pass through to prove it. Yosemite Falls is another must-see.  

What are the best things to do in Northern California?  

What isn’t there to do, really? Check out the beautiful seashore at Point Reyes or drive the world-famous (literally for its beauty) Highway 1 through fairy-tale towns like Carmel by the Sea. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from San Fransisco and then go indulge in some fresh ice cream at the Ben & Jerry’s store on Haight and Ashbury. Wander through real lava tubes at the Lava Beds National Monument, and if you really love volcanoes, check Lassen Volcanic National Park Out. For more of our favorite things to do in Northern California, check out this list for plenty of inspiration!  

Where are the most beautiful places in Northern California? 

This isn’t a fair question, because honestly, it’s all beautiful. From cascading waterfalls to incredible geological features to astonishingly beautiful forests and shorelines, Northern California is a nature lover’s dream come true. Big Sur is an amazing one, and so is the entire drive along Highway 1 (which, like we mentioned before, is famous because it’s beautiful). Yosemite National Park is an incredible place, as well as one of the most-photographed locations in the state. You can’t forget Lake Tahoe, either! Any of the numerous waterfalls all over the state would also qualify as some of the most beautiful, too.  

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Featured Addresses
Hedge Creek Falls, 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025, USA