Kings Creek Falls

Kings Creek Falls is a beautiful 40-foot waterfall in Lassen Volcanic National Park, where Kings Creek drops over a ledge of volcanic rock into a fern-lined grotto at 7,300 feet elevation. The falls are not enormous, but the setting is sublime — the surrounding subalpine meadows, the volcanic geology, and the relatively uncrowded trails make this one of the most rewarding short waterfall hikes in Northern California. Above the main falls, a series of smaller cascades tumble through the upper canyon, adding to the overall spectacle.

The Kings Creek Falls Trail is a 2.8-mile loop with about 485 feet of elevation gain that begins at the Kings Creek Trailhead on the main park road. The loop descends through meadows along the upper cascades to the viewpoint at the main falls, then returns via a steeper route with rock steps paralleling the creek. The clockwise direction is recommended for the most gradual approach. A fenced overlook provides a clear, safe view of the falls. The trail passes through gorgeous subalpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in July.

The trail typically opens in June or July depending on snowmelt and closes when snow returns in fall. Peak wildflower season is mid-July, which also offers good water flow. Lassen Volcanic is one of the least-visited national parks in California, so crowds are minimal even on summer weekends. The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and provides access for seven days.