Inspiration on the Great Trail We Call Life
Boulder Creek Falls
Of Whiskeytown’s waterfalls, Boulder Creek Falls feels the most secretive. Hidden deep in a shaded gorge, this 138-foot cascade tumbles in three separate strands down a mossy cliff before reuniting at the base. The sound is constant, the canyon cool, and the hike itself a quiet retreat from the hotter, busier parts of the park.
For solitude, shade, and a true sense of discovery. Boulder Creek Falls may not be as well-known as Brandy Creek Falls or Whiskeytown Falls, but its secluded setting makes it unforgettable.
From the Visitor Center, drive 8 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left onto Mill Creek Road and follow it for 5.5 miles. The road is gravel, narrow, and not recommended for trailers or RVs. A small, signed turnout marks the trailhead.
The path descends gently through a mixed forest of Douglas-fir, black oak, and madrone. Within minutes, you’ll hear the distant rush of Boulder Creek.
The final approach enters a gorge where the air cools and ferns crowd the path. Soon the falls appear – tall, lacy, and framed by sheer rock walls. It’s a place that feels tucked away, a waterfall that reveals itself only to those who make the short journey in.