Chasing Waterfalls

A Day Trip to Crystal Creek Falls…

An endless flow of crystal-clear water caresses a bed of river rocks, singing an enchanting song as it makes its way downstream. Lush green leaves and branches embrace overhead, and sunlight slips through the loosely woven canopy, warming the sitting rocks below. Moss peeks through the spaces between the stones and birds perch high, bearing witness to a place so stunning, it’s hard to believe it’s real. 

Tucked away just over two miles off Highway 299, in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, is a tiny slice of heaven known as Crystal Creek Falls. In the fall, when tinges of red and orange come to visit the foliage, or spring, when the luscious greens are even greener, it’s the perfect place to rest, read or sketch. In winter, when snow flurries dance their way into the falls, it has the makings of the most stunning living photograph. On hot summer days, Crystal Creek Falls is the swimming hole that dreams are made of. 

Crystal Creek Falls was created by the National Park Service to transport water from Trinity River watershed into the Sacramento River watershed, by way of Whiskeytown Lake and the nearby Judge Francis Carr Powerhouse. An 11-mile tunnel transports any runoff that can’t be let out through the Carr Powerhouse into the falls, a prime example of the beauty of form and function. When the overflow was built, the Bureau of Reclamation shifted the creek approximately 50 feet to the left to create Crystal Creek Falls, making it the only man-made waterfall in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It’s a scene so magical, it’s difficult to imagine it was born of infrastructure.

From the parking lot, a paved, ADA-compliant trail meanders for a flat, easy-to-navigate, third of a mile to a lookout point. Getting into the water takes a bit of rock climbing and a pair of sturdy shoes. The effort is minimal compared to other local falls, and the reward is more than worth it. Still, be sure you are prepared to carefully navigate the rocky area. 

Here are a few tips to remember as you plan your visit to Crystal Creek Falls:

• There is a two-mile drive to get to the parking lot from Highway 299. The road is narrow and may not accommodate two large-scale vehicles simultaneously. Go slow and proceed with caution. The trail head and parking lot are off to the left.

• You’ll need a day pass to visit Crystal Creek Falls. You can pick up a pass at the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Visitor’s Center or pay online for a variety of different types of passes at nps.gov.

• A seven-day pass to the park is $25, the least expensive option for a private vehicle pass. An annual private vehicle pass will cover your admission to four local parks – Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lava Beds National Monument in Tulelake and Crater Lake National Park in Oregon – for a year. This $55 pass is the best bang for your buck if you’d like to be able to see the falls and other picturesque places in Whiskeytown and other nearby national parks and recreation areas during every season.  

• Crystal Creek Falls is considered a shallow swimming hole, making it great for relaxing on sun-kissed rocks and wading in the refreshingly cold waters. Water levels vary based on season and precipitation, but they are not deep enough for diving or jumping. Don’t take unnecessary chances on your safety.  

• Don’t count on having a cell signal. While you may have some reception in the area, Crystal Creek Falls is in a remote location in a national park. Stay safe by letting loved ones know where you are going and what time they can expect you to be home. 

• Wear your swimsuit. The water at Crystal Creek Falls is too enchanting to resist taking a dip. The chilly temperature is the perfect counter to a hot Redding summer’s day. 

• Bring sturdy shoes that can be worn in the water, sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, a towel and a first-aid kit. 

• Dogs are allowed on a leash, so feel free to bring your four-legged best friend along on the adventure.

• Pack it in, pack it out. This goes without saying but bring a trash bag and take everything you come with when you leave. If you happen to find a stray piece of trash, please take that with you, too. Places like this only stay beautiful if we all work together to keep it that way.  •