Mill Creek Falls is a 72-foot two-tier plunge waterfall in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Tehama County, California, where East Sulphur Creek and Bumpass Creek meet. A moderately strenuous trail from the southwest parking area reaches an overlook of the falls.
The falls
The two creeks plunge side by side for about 35 feet into an alcove so narrow that the streams nearly merge in mid-air, then fall together about 40 more feet to the canyon floor. Minerals from the surrounding volcanic terrain give the water an opaque whitish-gold color. The World Waterfall Database, which surveyed the falls in person, puts the total at 72 feet, while park information gives 75 feet. The falls run all year.
Getting there
The trail begins behind the amphitheater next to the southwest parking area, near the park's southern entrance, at about 6,700 feet. It drops to West Sulphur Creek, crosses an open hillside, then follows East Sulphur Creek through what was forest, with rocky, narrow stretches and creek crossings. The route is 3.8 miles round trip, with about 925 feet of up and down each way, taking 2.5 to 3 hours, and is rated moderately strenuous; boots with deep tread and trekking poles are recommended. The trail was open in the July 18, 2026 conditions update.
Lassen Volcanic admission is $30 per private vehicle from April 16 to November 30 and $10 from December 1 to April 15, valid for seven days. Entrance stations are cashless; America the Beautiful and park annual passes are accepted.
When to go
Flow is best from May to July. By July, mule ears and stickseed bloom along the trail. The route is partly exposed to the sun, so avoiding the afternoon heat and carrying enough water is recommended.
On site
The 2021 Dixie Fire burned most of the forest along the trail. That opened views of the surrounding peaks, but standing dead trees can fall without warning, so use caution in burned stretches. Pets are not allowed on park trails.
History and name
Although the falls sit on the Sulphur Creek branches, the name is official, possibly from East and West Sulphur creeks joining downstream to form Mill Creek.
Nearby
West Sulphur Creek Falls is about 0.9 mile away, Bluff Falls about 2.2 miles, and Upper Canyon Creek Falls about 2.5 miles.
Distances are straight-line.