

( Note: To get an untarnished vista of Mount Shasta, climb the rocky jumble to the right of the observation deck. On clear days, Mount Shasta (14,180’) looms in the distance, though it is obscured by trees, while an active railroad lines the opposite bank. Culminating at 3/10 mile, the path ends abruptly at a viewing platform overlooking the confluence of Hedge Creek and the Sacramento River.
HEDGE CREEK FALLS SERIES
After wrapping around the falls, the footpath hugs Hedge Creek as it bears downstream over a series of minor cascades. While Hedge Creek Falls is the main attraction, the trail is only halfway done. The cliff from which the falls drops is composed of columnar basalt, a legacy of the area’s volcanic past. With a beautiful water fall you can walk through and behind, this journey will continue if youd like, up a narrow trail along the falls.
HEDGE CREEK FALLS FULL
The trail leads right up to the falls and circles it from behind, offering a cool place to take in the beautiful sight. Journey into nature starting with a zig-zag slight down grade trail full of thick and lush trees with a moss filled ground, that’ll awaken your senses immediately to connection. The waterfall is a single chute that drops 35 feet into a cavernous pool. After just 250 yards of hiking, the path approaches Hedge Creek Falls. The trail briefly doubles back to the west, then rounds a second bend and continues on its eastward course. Within minutes, the sounds of rushing water can heard, and one can sneak a peek at the waterfall at the end of a first switchback. The descent is quick and sharp as the path bears east. The Hedge Creek Falls Trail bears off to the right, dropping behind a large hemlock tree. Just beyond the trail’s start is a small, grassy picnic area-complete with a gazebo and water fountain-that is perched on the edge of a woody canyon. Across the street, look for the sign for “Hedge Creek Falls”-creatively carved as a locomotive-marking the start of the trail. From the exit, bear north to Dunsmuir Avenue and take a right the parking area will be on the right. The short hike to the falls begins just off Interstate 5 at Exit 732.
HEDGE CREEK FALLS PDF
There is a resting bench located about halfway down the zig-zagging path from the parking area to the falls, and another at the base of the falls itself. At the trailhead, enjoy cool fresh mountain spring water on tap at the rock fountain.Map of Hedge Creek Falls Trail, Mount Shasta area created using National Geographic Maps/AllTrails, (Check out the PDF version, interactive map, and MapMyHike track) The trail is well-maintained, although it will be slippery when wet. Park there the trail to the falls begins next to a rock fountain that overlooks the Sacramento River canyon. Take an immediate right on the frontage road at the bottom of the offramp you will see a small park and parking area on your left. To get to Hedge Creek Falls from Weed, go south on Interstate 5 to the first exit for Dunsmuir. It is a beautiful and surreal experience. On the rare occasions when Hedge Creek is full and overflowing, multiple streams cascade down the cliff face.


History has it that stage coach robbers used to use the back side of the falls as a hiding place while waiting for the stage to pass above them. On a hot day, it would be great to take a shower under the waterfall. It is possible to walk right in behind the falls, and reach out your hand and feel the water coming down. Just off of I-5, it is a great little pit stop to make if you are driving through the town of Dunsmuir. Hedge Creek Falls is located a short walk down a well-maintained path.
