← Back to California Swimming Holes

💦 Waterfall Plunge Pool  ·  Northern California / Mount Shasta area

McCloud River Falls (Middle Falls)

📍 McCloud
Nearest Town
✅ Free
Entry Fee
💧 Cold, spring/snowmelt-influenced
Water Temp
🟢 Easy
Difficulty
📅 Summer
Best Season
⚠️ Safety Notice — Read Before Visiting
The Upper and Lower Falls on this same loop have stronger currents and are less suited to swimming than Middle Falls — be specific about which of the three falls a listing describes rather than treating the whole loop as uniformly swimmable.
💦 Waterfall Plunge Pool 🟢 Easy Free Entry ⚠️ Safety Note
🌊 About McCloud River Falls (Middle Falls)

A scenic loop trail past three distinct waterfalls, with the middle falls offering the most swim-friendly, easily accessible pool of the three.

📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
✅ Free
Water Temperature
💧 Cold, spring/snowmelt-influenced
Best Season
📅 Summer
Reservation
Not Required
Water Type
Series of three waterfalls with swim areas
Managed By
US Forest Service (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)
County
Siskiyou County, California
Access Difficulty
🟢 Easy
🗺️ Getting There

Address / Access Point:
McCloud River Falls Loop, near McCloud, CA 96057

Access Notes:
Easy, developed loop trail connecting Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls; Middle Falls is the most swim-friendly of the three with a large, easy-access pool

GPS Coordinates
41.2435, -122.0123
Open in Google Maps →
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
  • ✓
    Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
  • ✓
    Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
  • ✓
    Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
  • ✓
    Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
  • ✓
    Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace
Scroll to Top