Root Creek Falls
Root Creek Falls is a large, multi-tiered waterfall that spills 500+ feet over the granite Castle Dome just south of Dunsmuir in the Castle Crags wilderness area. This impressive cataract remained “undiscovered” until only a decade or two ago, safeguarded by manzanitas, poison oak, rattlesnakes and the occasional bear. But for the intrepid hiker, the reward is a little slice of Yosemite without the crowds. The best access is via an unofficial trail off Root Creek Trail. If you access Root Creek Trail via the Castle Dome Trail, there is a fee to park.
Category: Medium
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 ft.
Route Type: Out & Back
Directions: Traveling on Interstate 5, take the Soda Creek exit. Go to the west side of the freeway and park at the Pacific Crest Trial trailhead. The trailhead is only yards from the southbound freeway exit.
Photo Credit: Hike Mt. Shasta – Root Creek Trail
