The McCloud River is one of Northern California’s most scenic and famous waterways, known worldwide for native wild trout and the beauty of multiple spectacular waterfalls. It begins its journey on the southern slopes of Mount Shasta with multiple springs contributing significantly to the river’s volume. More importantly, the river is swollen by subterranean waters coming from the heart of the great volcano. For the most part, the trail follows the river and is a single file trail, with almost no elevation gain and is easy for horses. The three most remarkable waterfalls are easily viewed via the hiking trail from Lower Falls to Upper Falls, or short walks from parking areas. Each of these waterfalls has a distinctive personality, adding a great deal of character to an already attractive river. Paralleling the river the trail winds around large boulders and large old growth trees, which creates a shady canopy for much of the trail. The river is almost always in view and can often be heard. Be sure to look for Pacific Yew trees, which thrive in wetter spots and is identified by its fir-like needles and red, peeling bark, similar to a Madrone tree. Though the trail passing directly by the waterfalls is not accessible by horseback, each of them can be accessed by vehicle along the way, with plenty of parking for horse trailers at two of the three. All of the water falls possess unique features, however the local favorite is
Middle Falls, and a short stop on your way to or from the horse trailhead is a must. You’ll find a large parking area, restrooms and short walk to a viewing area to take photos. The section of trail open to horses stretches from Upper Falls to Algoma (a small US Forest Service campground). Unlike the trail passing the falls, this section sees fewer hikers and only an occasional mountain bike. The first interesting sight you come to when travelling East from the Upper Falls is the sound of more falling water. Instead of a waterfall, the sound is made by the McCloud River surging over the top of Lakin Dam, an old concrete dam built to provide water for the lumber mill that once operated in McCloud.
The dam was built in 1925 and named after an executive of the lumber company who perished while fighting a fire on the outskirts of the town. Beyond Lakin dam the river character changes from the roaring river with extensive volcanic features, to a more lackadaisical landscape as it flows quietly through meadows and forested areas. Further east you will come upon the site of what was once Daveney's cabin. The cabin was built in 1935 by Mr. Daveney, who leased the land from the McCloud
River Lumber Company for $1.00/year. The chimney (all that’s left of the cabin) was made from native rock from the immediate area and was constructed by Joe Bertaco, the company’s finest stonemason. Traveling east you then come to Forest Service Group Camp 4, and a good watering hole for the horses. Leaving Camp 4 it will take you about 90 minutes to reach the Cattle Camp Swimming Hole. We find this busy on some summer weekends, but have also found it with few or any others there. Even on busy weekends there are lots of places to tie up and take a break at the water’s edge. Although the trail goes further east to Algoma, the ride I like the best is from Camp 4 (park outside/adjacent to the camping area along the road going in) to the Swimming Hole for lunch and then back to Camp 4. This makes a 3 hour round trip of ride time. If you went from the Upper Falls parking area, to Cattle Camp Swimming hole, it would be about a 3 hour ride one way. There is trailer access at the Swimming Hole if you wanted a pick up there. You do have to use caution during the fall season when we have encountered bees along the trail, and sections of the trail can be dusty in the dryer months.
The McCloud River Loop Road is approximately 6 miles east of the town of McCloud, off State Route 89.
Middle Falls, and a short stop on your way to or from the horse trailhead is a must. You’ll find a large parking area, restrooms and short walk to a viewing area to take photos. The section of trail open to horses stretches from Upper Falls to Algoma (a small US Forest Service campground). Unlike the trail passing the falls, this section sees fewer hikers and only an occasional mountain bike. The first interesting sight you come to when travelling East from the Upper Falls is the sound of more falling water. Instead of a waterfall, the sound is made by the McCloud River surging over the top of Lakin Dam, an old concrete dam built to provide water for the lumber mill that once operated in McCloud.
The dam was built in 1925 and named after an executive of the lumber company who perished while fighting a fire on the outskirts of the town. Beyond Lakin dam the river character changes from the roaring river with extensive volcanic features, to a more lackadaisical landscape as it flows quietly through meadows and forested areas. Further east you will come upon the site of what was once Daveney's cabin. The cabin was built in 1935 by Mr. Daveney, who leased the land from the McCloud
River Lumber Company for $1.00/year. The chimney (all that’s left of the cabin) was made from native rock from the immediate area and was constructed by Joe Bertaco, the company’s finest stonemason. Traveling east you then come to Forest Service Group Camp 4, and a good watering hole for the horses. Leaving Camp 4 it will take you about 90 minutes to reach the Cattle Camp Swimming Hole. We find this busy on some summer weekends, but have also found it with few or any others there. Even on busy weekends there are lots of places to tie up and take a break at the water’s edge. Although the trail goes further east to Algoma, the ride I like the best is from Camp 4 (park outside/adjacent to the camping area along the road going in) to the Swimming Hole for lunch and then back to Camp 4. This makes a 3 hour round trip of ride time. If you went from the Upper Falls parking area, to Cattle Camp Swimming hole, it would be about a 3 hour ride one way. There is trailer access at the Swimming Hole if you wanted a pick up there. You do have to use caution during the fall season when we have encountered bees along the trail, and sections of the trail can be dusty in the dryer months.
The McCloud River Loop Road is approximately 6 miles east of the town of McCloud, off State Route 89.
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