If you only have a short time in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, then the .25 mile round trip hike to Crystal Creek Falls is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the area with very little work. The ADA accessible trail is ideal for families and those with young children. Here is all the information so you can explore this short trail to the man made Crystal Creek Falls.
Details
- .25 miles
- Flat
- ADA accessible
- This information was from my visit in 2017
- Read about all of the California waterfalls I have visited here
Getting There
Crystal Creek Falls is located on the west side of Whiskeytown Lake. It’s about 4 miles off the main road on Crystal Creek Road. There is a sign that points to either Crystal Creek or Whiskeytown Falls, and you will proceed on a short, half dirt / half gravel road to the trailhead.
The Trail
Setting out from the trailhead, you will be walking on a flat paved road the entire way.
The road bends a few times before you start hearing the falls and seeing the picnic area.
From the picnic area, you can continue to the paved overlook to get a full view of the falls.
Alternatively, you can take a little dirt trail (non-ADA) down to the actual water.
The water cascades down from the main falls and into a pool below, and it is awesome to see. This waterfall is called man-made since it was created when they diverted the river.
The overlook is a great place to hang out and have a picnic, or view the waterfall and then head back to your car. Be sure to also go to the fantastic Whiskeytown Falls when you are there as well. Let me know what you think of this spot in the comments.