We got an early start for our drive down to California to view the falls on the McCloud River. Our group of 13 left from Rite Aid parking at about 8:00 AM. We reached the Fowlers Campground parking shortly before 10:00 AM.
It was a sunny, to partly cloudy day with temps from the low 70s to the low 80s.
The three waterfalls were going strong from continued ample snowmelt.
The Lower Fall is just off parking and can be viewed from an observation deck. It cascades out from a narrow channel created by a lava flow a long time ago.
Fishermen try their luck catching trout in the waters in front of Lower Fall.
Next, we went down some stairs and onto the trail leading upriver to the Middle Falls. This is the "must-see" falls at a wide spot on the river.
The breakwater goes all the way across the canyon, and the plunging cascade forms a mist that can be felt on the trail.
Young swimmers come to Middle Falls to test their skills, diving off the cliff into the river.
Next, the trail heads up the canyon wall to views of Middle Falls from above, then upriver to view Upper Falls, which also flows through a narrow channel like the Lower Falls but with more force which causes the water to shoot out before dropping into the river.
Finally, we continued upriver and over a lava flow to the dam at Lakin Reservoir for lunch. The water spilling over the dam created a manmade waterfall. Trees by the river gave shade for lunch.
Heading back after lunch, we noticed some special plant life along the way. Coming down from the dam, we saw late-season Washington Lilies starting to sprout. Along most of the trail, we saw the blue Azure Penstemon. And, lining the river, we saw big-leaf Indian Rhubarb.
The hike is really, a pleasant walk of 5.4 miles RT with great views and 300' of gain. The driving distance from Ashland is 190 miles RT.
We stopped in the town of McCloud for soft-served ice cream, before getting on I-5 for the trip back to Ashland arriving at about 4:00 PM.
Happy Trails,
Rich
