Crystal Creek Falls is a 52-foot, four-tiered cascade waterfall on Crystal Creek in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Shasta County, California, reached by a short paved trail off Highway 299.
The falls
The creek drops in four tiers over a run of about 170 feet. The National Park Service calls Crystal Creek Falls the park's only artificial waterfall: the channel was rerouted in the 1960s as part of the Trinity River diversion project.
Getting there
From Highway 299, Crystal Creek Road leads about 2 miles to the parking area. A paved, 10-foot-wide trail runs 0.5 mile one way to a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint, with no elevation gain. Entrance costs $25 per vehicle for seven days, $20 for a motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bicycle for visitors 16 and older; qualifying federal passes are accepted, and payment is cashless. Crystal Creek Road was listed as open as of late 2025, though temporary winter closures are possible.
When to go
The falls flow year-round, with the best flow from March to June.
On site
A narrow, steep dirt path leads down to the pool at the base of the falls, described as a spot for careful dipping. Reaching the upper falls is informal, steep, rocky, and exposed to poison oak. Two picnic tables and a grill sit nearby. Dogs are allowed on hiking trails on leashes no longer than 6 feet.
History and name
The diversion tunnel that reroutes the creek is given as 10 miles on one park page and 11 miles on another; the tunnel's tailings were later replanted.
Nearby
Whiskeytown Falls is about 1.4 miles away, and Boulder Creek Falls about 2.4 miles. Brandy Creek Falls, on Brandy Creek, is about 4.5 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.