Feather Falls, Plumas National Forest CA

• 4-star hike
• 7 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 1,100 feet
• Quincy, CA | Plumas Region
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The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green vegetation. The sky above is bright blue with scattered white clouds, adding to the picturesque nature of the scene. The waterfall is the central focus, with the water appearing to flow powerfully over the edge of the cliff. The surrounding area is densely forested with various trees and shrubs, contributing to the natural beauty of the location.

Peer precariously over the edge of one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, looking directly down upon the 640-foot drop to the valley below.

Feather Falls National Scenic Trail in the Plumas National Forest traverses an 7½-mile loop to an observation platform close to the waterfall, providing excellent views of the torrents of water flowing over a sheer granite cliff. If you're feeling a little more adventurous you can take a further short half-mile trail for an even more exhilarating view from very top of the falls. Thankfully there are fenced-in areas to provide safety; though please still take caution as hikers have previously lost their lives having fallen into the stream and being swept over the falls.

This area was devastated by the 2021 Dixie Fire, and what was once a dense forest hike is now a desolate landscape with signs of nature suggesting a gradual recovery. The Forest Service have rebuilt the trail including new bridges and observation platform and the trail was reopened in 2024.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Feather Falls Trail 7.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,100 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

The lower, returning leg of the trail includes several interpretive signs and interesting observation points, including two millenium old bowl-shaped rock depressions created by the Maidu Indians, used as mortars to grind acorns. The trail also has great views of Bald Rock Dome, known as “Earth-Maker” to the Maidu, is reminiscent of Yosemite's Half-Dome and towers 2,000 feet above the Middle Fork Feather River.

Although any time is a good time to tackle this trail, spring is undoubtedly the best time to experience the full force of the falls during the snowmelt and to see the variety of wildflower color and species which bloom all along the route.

The image shows a scenic view from a wooden observation deck overlooking a lush, green valley with a river running through it. The valley is surrounded by densely forested hills and mountains, creating a picturesque and tranquil natural landscape. The observation deck is constructed with wooden beams and railings, providing a safe vantage point for viewers to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Looking back along the Middle Fork Feather River canyon.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes. The left side shows two people standing on a rocky outcrop that is fenced off for safety, overlooking a deep valley with forested mountains in the background. The right side shows a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff with lush greenery surrounding it. A rainbow is visible at the base of the waterfall, adding a picturesque element to the scene.

Looking out from the falls. | Longer Feather Falls view.

Tangents:
• Official: Forest Service
• AllTrails Public: Feather Falls Trail
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