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Feather Falls National Recreation Trail

Plumas National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
9.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1,800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through June
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Feather Falls: 410-foot sheer fall into the Middle Fork Feather River canyon
  • Sixth-tallest waterfall in the continental United States
  • Overlook platform with direct face-on view of the full falls
  • Mixed conifer forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and black oak
  • Middle Fork Feather River canyon views from multiple trail points

Overview

Feather Falls is among the most impressive waterfalls in the western United States, dropping 410 feet in a single sheer curtain into the Middle Fork Feather River canyon. The trail to reach it in Plumas National Forest is a 9.5-mile out-and-back from the Featherfalls Recreation Area, climbing through ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest to an overlook platform with a direct face-on view of the full falls. Spring flow is exceptional; summer visits are possible but the drop in volume is noticeable.

No permit required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Forest approach. The trail begins in mixed conifer forest on the lower slopes above the Middle Fork Feather River. Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and black oak dominate. The trail is well-maintained with some rocky sections. The canyon begins to appear below on the right side.

Miles 3.0 to 4.5: Canyon views and descent. The trail approaches the canyon rim and views of the Middle Fork appear below. A 400-foot descent to the river level allows views upstream toward the base of the falls. The canyon walls are impressive here.

Miles 4.5 to 4.75: The overlook. The trail reaches the main viewpoint platform directly across from the falls. Feather Falls drops in a single sheer column, the mist visible on clear days from 0.25 miles across the canyon. The sound is constant and impressive from April through June.

When to Hike

April through June for peak flow. The trail is hiked year-round but summer visits see a much reduced fall.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; there are no water sources on the trail. The foothill location means warmer temperatures than the high country in summer; carry extra water on hot days.

Trailhead Access

Lumpkin Road east of Forbestown, about 8 miles to the trailhead. Cell service limited on the access road.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is April through June. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Plumas National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Long Valley Trail near Quincy provides an easier complement in the forest interior. The Bucks Lake Wilderness Loop is the high-country experience. See the Plumas National Forest guide for the full picture. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the viewpoint platform.

Trailhead Parking

Feather Falls Trailhead at Featherfalls Recreation Area off Lumpkin Road, 8 miles east of Forbestown. Paved lot with vault toilets. No fee.

← Back to Plumas National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Feather Falls?
Feather Falls is most dramatic from late February through late June when snowmelt and spring rains keep the flow high. The falls drops 410 feet and is visible from the overlook platform as a single sheer column of water. By August the flow diminishes substantially but the falls remain visible. The trail is hikeable year-round in favorable weather, and the canyon views are excellent in any season.
Is Feather Falls Trail difficult?
The Feather Falls trail is classified moderate despite the 9.5-mile distance because the terrain is well-maintained and the elevation gain is distributed across the full route. The hardest section is the descent to the overlook platform and the return climb. Hikers in reasonable fitness should manage the route in 4 to 5 hours. Trekking poles and sturdy footwear are recommended.
How does Feather Falls compare to other California waterfalls?
At 410 feet, Feather Falls is the sixth-tallest waterfall in the continental United States and among the most impressive in California. It is taller than Yosemite Falls' upper fall (but lower than the combined height of Yosemite Falls) and larger in volume than most comparable California falls. The single sheer drop with no interruption makes it particularly dramatic. Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite is 620 feet but much thinner; Feather Falls has more volume.