Crystal Creek Falls

Crystal Creek Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California. The falls are approximately 60 feet tall and plunge into a deep, crystal clear pool at the base of the cascade. Crystal Creek Falls is accessible via an easy 1 mile hike from the Oak Bottom Marina trailhead. Along this short path you will find yourself surrounded by forests filled with towering pine trees that line your journey to the falls.

Crystal Creek Falls cascades down over large boulders before reaching its final destination in a tranquil pool below. This spot offers visitors many opportunities for exploration and relaxation including swimming, fishing, wading or simply taking time to reflect on nature’s beauty. There are also plenty of historical sites nearby such as old mining facilities and abandoned homesteads that can provide insight into what life was like during early settlement days in Northern California.

Hiking Trails at Crystal Creek Falls

There are over 40 miles of trails that wind through the park’s diverse Brandy Creek Trail is a good choice. Starting from near Whiskeytown Lake’s shoreline, this trail follows along Brandy Creek before ending at Crystal Creek Falls, one of the park’s many waterfalls, where
you can cool off with a dip in its refreshing pools.

Buckhorn Summit Trail provides an invigorating challenge as it climbs over 2200 feet up to its namesake summit before looping back down again on another route, offering amazing panoramic vistas throughout your journey!

Boulder Point Loop Trail which leads past numerous granite outcroppings.

Oak Bottom Loop Trail which meanders through shaded oak woodlands

East Fork Trail which winds along East Fork Trinity River deep within remote wilderness areas within the park boundaries.

Directions to Crystal Creek Falls

From Sacramento – Map

To get there, take Highway 299 West from Redding towards Weaverville. After driving for about 17 miles, turn right onto Crystal Creek Road and follow it until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road.

From the parking lot, take a short walk down to Crystal Creek Trailhead where you will find a bridge crossing over Crystal Creek. Cross over this bridge and continue along the trail for approximately half a mile until you come across another bridge that crosses over to Whiskeytown Lake Dam overlook.

From here, follow signs leading up to Crystal Creek Falls which are just a few hundred yards away from here.