A remote, strenuous hike to one of the nation's tallest waterfalls; no day-use fee but access may be limited.
Feather Falls is a remote USFS Plumas destination reported among the nation’s tallest waterfalls. The strenuous hike rewards experienced backcountry hikers with a truly isolated waterfall experience and minimal crowds.
No day-use fee applies, though forest access may be limited by road conditions or seasonal closures. Confirm current access conditions before planning your trip.
Spring and early summer snowmelt produce the fullest, most spectacular flows. Bring ample water and navigation tools for this remote adventure.
Spring and early summer offer the fullest flows and most accessible conditions.
Not suitable for inexperienced hikers or those seeking an easy walk.
No fee or permit requirement was published on the managing agency's site when we last checked — confirm current conditions before you go, since these change.
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
We track 9 waterfalls in Northern California.
fs.usda.gov
USFS Plumas National Forest 'Feather Falls Scenic Area' page, checked Aug 2026. USFS describes it as 'the sixth highest waterfall in the nation' but does not give an exact foot figure (commonly cited elsewhere as ~640 ft, not confirmed here). Trail: upper leg 4.5 mi, lower leg 3.5 mi, plus a shared 0.5 mi spur to the overlook — full loop roughly 8–9 miles depending on route combination; left the single RT field null rather than compute an unstated total.
Checked August 2026.