Mill Creek Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Mill Creek in Modoc County, California, near the western edge of the South Warner Wilderness in Modoc National Forest.
The falls
The creek drops through a rock gorge. A current survey favors a height of about 50 feet, citing topographic evidence against frequently published estimates of around 100 feet; a separate backcountry guide's figure is 80 feet.
Getting there
The Forest Service manages the surrounding Modoc National Forest. Paved County Road 64 runs east from the community of Likely to Mill Creek Falls Campground, from which a walking path reaches the falls: distances range from a quarter mile to half a mile one way, and a separate mapped spur trail measures 0.11 mile. Steep terrain keeps visitors at an overlook rather than closer to the water. As of September 25, 2026, one campground directory shows the campground open and another shows it closed; status should be checked before visiting.
When to go
Spring snowmelt is the recommended time to see the falls at its fullest, and the trailhead itself is reachable year-round with winter flow. Campground facilities typically run from early June through late October.
On site
The overlook is as close as the steep terrain allows; a swimming hole lies beyond the falls near a wooden footbridge. Whether swimming is officially authorized at the falls itself has not been documented. In July 2024, the North Fire prompted evacuation orders that included the campground area.
Nearby
Fall Creek Falls is about 54.4 miles away, and Young Falls about 56.1 miles.
Distances are straight-line.