Overview
Feather Falls drops 640 feet in a single dramatic plunge into the Middle Fork Feather River canyon, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the contiguous United States. The trail to reach it runs 9.4 miles in a loop through mixed foothill forest and chaparral in the southern reaches of Lassen National Forest, accessible from Oroville in the Sacramento Valley.
Unlike the high-elevation trails of the Caribou Wilderness, this route sits between 2,000 and 3,500 feet, opening it to year-round hiking and making it a reliable destination when higher trails are under snow. Spring is the prime season, when peak snowmelt swells the falls to their most impressive volume.
The Route
Trailhead to Junction (Mile 0 to 1.0)
The loop begins at the Feather Falls Trailhead on Lumpkin Road and immediately offers a choice: take the upper or lower route to the falls. Most hikers take the lower route (left) on the way out and return on the upper route, gaining the better canyon views early.
Lower Route to Falls Overlook (Mile 1.0 to 4.2)
The lower route descends through canyon oak, Douglas fir, and manzanita, following a ridge above the Middle Fork Feather River. The trail has several exposed sections with canyon views before arriving at the viewing platform directly across from the falls. The platform is a well-engineered overlook with safety railings and room for a dozen people at once.
Falls Overlook to Upper Loop (Mile 4.2 to 7.5)
From the overlook, the trail climbs steeply for about a mile before leveling onto the upper route. This section passes through more open chaparral with views to the east.
Upper Loop Return to Trailhead (Mile 7.5 to 9.4)
The upper route runs through forest with less canyon exposure and returns to the trailhead junction, then the parking lot. The last mile is flat.
When to Hike
March through May is peak season for the falls and for wildflowers in the chaparral sections. Temperatures are comfortable and the falls run at full volume.
June through July remains good before summer heat sets in. The foothill chaparral gets hot in exposed sections by late morning.
October through November offers pleasant temperatures and decent falls flow from early rains.
Year-round access is possible at this low elevation, including mild winters, though footing can be slick after rain.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 2.5 liters of water for this trail. There is no water source on the route; carry everything from the trailhead. Individual water needs are higher in summer when foothill temperatures climb.
Layers are useful in spring when the canyon sections are shaded and cool but the chaparral ridge sections can be warm. Trekking poles help on the descent sections in the lower route.
Trailhead Access
The Feather Falls Trailhead is located on Lumpkin Road, reached from Oroville via a 23-mile paved road. The trailhead has a large paved parking lot, vault restrooms, and a bulletin board with current conditions information. No fee and no permit required (as of 2026).
Dogs are allowed on leash. No overnight camping at the trailhead.
Nearby
Oroville, at the base of the access road, has full services including gas, food, and lodging. For longer trips in the Lassen National Forest, the Domingo Springs Trail and Caribou Lake Trail are accessible with an additional hour of driving into the forest interior.
Check current trail conditions and fire restrictions at Checking Conditions Before You Go. Practice Leave No Trace 7 Principles on this popular trail, particularly at the viewing platform where crowding can occur in spring.