Yes, you can visit McCloud Falls in fall and winter. You just can't drive to it. A Forest Service order closes the roads to Lower Falls, Fowlers Campground, the Middle Falls overlook and Upper Falls to motor vehicles from October 5, 2026 through May 1, 2027. The falls are still there and still running. In fall you walk in from Highway 89. In winter, once snow falls, you snowshoe or ski in.
How do you get to McCloud Falls from Mount Shasta?
From downtown, take I-5 south to Exit 736 for Highway 89, just south of town. Head east on 89 to McCloud, about 10 miles, then continue about 5 miles past town. Watch for the Forest Service sign for Fowlers and Lower Falls on the left side of the highway, and turn right onto the McCloud River Loop Road (40N44).
In winter the road is gated just south of Highway 89, and the Mount Shasta Trail Association says there's a winter trailhead parking area at that spot. From there it's about a mile on foot to the Lower Falls picnic area, where the trail starts at the staircase next to the overlook.
Forest Service pages don't all agree on dates. One lists the 40N44 gates as closed November 1 through April 1, while the current order runs October 5 through May 1. Call the McCloud Ranger Station at (530) 964-2184 before you head out to confirm what you'll find at the turnoff.
How long is the hike to all three falls?
The Forest Service puts it at 1.3 miles from Lower Falls to Middle Falls, then 0.5 miles more to Upper Falls. Seeing all three and coming back is roughly three to three and a half miles round trip. The walk in from the highway adds about a mile each way.
The trail is rated easy and follows the river most of the way. The one harder stretch is the short climb of switchbacks and stairs from the base of Middle Falls up to the overlook. Upper Falls is best seen from a viewing platform 90 feet above the river. The Forest Service calls the climb down from there steep and very difficult and doesn't recommend it.
What is McCloud Falls like in the fall?
Fall is the easy season. There's usually no snow yet, so it's a walk, not a snowshoe trip.
- Color. The Forest Service notes that black oak, vine maple and Pacific dogwood along the canyon turn brilliant colors in autumn, and the umbrella plant along the water goes scarlet, orange, pink, yellow and purple in October.
- Water. The Upper McCloud is spring-fed and not dammed, so it keeps flowing all year instead of drying up by autumn. Middle Falls, which the Forest Service calls the most picturesque, is over 50 feet high and about 100 feet across.
- Crowds. Summer weekends bring the swimmers. With the roads closed to cars, the trail is a lot quieter.
- Swimming is over. The pool at Lower Falls stays in the low 50s, according to the Forest Service.
What is McCloud Falls like in the winter?
Winter is a different trip. The Forest Service says the McCloud River Loop Road is not plowed or maintained, and after significant snowfall you'll need to park near Highway 89 and snowshoe or cross-country ski in. The Mount Shasta Trail Association lists the trail as year-round, with snowshoes or skis needed in winter.
Before you go:
- Plan around daylight. Near the winter solstice, sunset in Mount Shasta is around 4:45pm PT, compared with about 6:30pm in mid-October. With the extra distance from the highway, start by late morning.
- Expect ice. AllTrails notes that icy conditions are expected in winter. Take extra care on the stairs and switchbacks below the Middle Falls overlook, and bring traction or poles.
- Watch for frozen ruts. The Forest Service says vehicles that ignore the closure leave ruts that freeze and become obstacles for people on foot.
- Don't drive past the gate. The order exists partly because drivers on unplowed roads get stuck in deep snow.
The upside: the river keeps running all winter, and those big falls framed by snow are well worth the work.
What should you eat before and after?
This is a longer outing than it looks, and the cold makes a real breakfast worth it. We open at 8am at 315 Chestnut Street in downtown Mount Shasta.
Something warm before you go:
- Give it a Chai Latte. House-made chai steamed with organic oat milk.
- Mushroom Mocha or Turmeric Mocha. Both built on organic, locally roasted espresso and organic whole milk.
- Avocado Bravo toast. Multigrain sourdough, avocado and a hard boiled egg.
For your pack:
- A bagel sandwich. The Blasted Vegan Bagel (tempeh bacon, avocado, microgreens) or the Turkey Mayhem (turkey, melted Swiss, Dijon mayo) on an everything bagel, wrapped tight.
- Anything from the grab-and-go fridge. Wraps, salads and bowls, ready when you are.
- Alua Kombucha, brewed with Mount Shasta volcanic spring water. It's carbonated, so let it settle after the walk before you open it.
Coming back cold? The Butternut Chili is hearty and 100% plant based, or build a bowl over steamed rice or organic quinoa. We're open until 5pm, seven days a week.
Photo: "McCloud river Middle Falls" by Sergey Yarmolyuk, taken October 23, 2020, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and compressed.
FAQ
Can you visit McCloud Falls in winter?
Yes. The roads are closed to motor vehicles through May 1, 2027, and the loop road isn't plowed, but you can park near Highway 89 and walk, snowshoe or ski in. Call the McCloud Ranger Station at (530) 964-2184 for current conditions.
Do you need snowshoes for McCloud Falls?
In winter, usually. The Mount Shasta Trail Association says snowshoes or skis are needed in winter, and the Forest Service says to snowshoe or ski in after significant snowfall. In fall, before the snow, regular hiking shoes are fine.
Is the road to McCloud Falls open?
Not to cars right now. A Forest Service order closes the roads to Lower, Middle and Upper Falls and Fowlers Campground to motor vehicles from October 5, 2026 through May 1, 2027. Walking in is still allowed.
When is the best time to see fall colors at McCloud Falls?
October. The Forest Service notes the dogwood, vine maple and black oak turn in autumn, and the umbrella plant along the river turns scarlet, orange and purple in October.
How long is the hike to all three McCloud Falls?
About three to three and a half miles round trip from the Lower Falls trailhead. In fall and winter, add about a mile each way for the walk in from Highway 89.