Feather Falls Trail
Details
- ~8-9mi
- 1100 ft elevation gain
- Easy pace. It will most likely be an out and back but there is a slightly shorter but harder loop option.
- Bonus water falls: Feather Falls and Frey Creek Falls
The hike to Feather Falls is a journey of dramatic contrast, shifting from the quiet recovery of a fire-scarred forest to the thunderous power of the sixth-tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S.. While the 410-foot drop is the undeniable climax, the trail itself offers a "Yosemite-style" experience without the massive crowds, winding through Sierra Nevada terrain and delicate wildflower carpets.
If you have not been since the 2021 Dixie fire ripped through here, this hike has changed a LOT. The devastating fire transformed parts of the trail into an open, sun-drenched "burn zone." While shade is now scarce, this exposure offers unprecedented, unobstructed views of the massive granite Bald Rock Dome looming across the canyon.
There will be two options at the half way point.
- Stay at the observation deck, eat, rest, hydrate and enjoy the view.
- (For the more adventurous types) hike another quarter mile, half mile out and back, to the top of the falls.
What to bring. Sunscreen, a large water bottle and extra electrolytes if you need it. I will have a water filter as there are plenty of places to fill up along the hike. i.e. no one will run out of water. If you like trekking poles bring them. Otherwise they are not really needed. Lastly, food/lunch, snacks, and other necessities for a longer hike.
Carpool. We'll meet at the usual place next to the Shell station at Sunsplash and head up 65 but the Sacramento folks may want to just meet somewhere else and drive up 99. Carpool "gas money" at the usual rate should be at least $20 per person.