Every Trail Tells a Story
Kings Creek Falls and Sifford Lakes
Two-for-one adventure: waterfalls and lakes in a single outing.
The Cascades trail section, a thrilling walk beside tumbling whitewater.
Backcountry flavor without an all-day trek, thanks to the Sifford Lakes extension.
Kings Creek Falls is one of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s “don’t miss” hikes, a short but dramatic outing that delivers water, wildflowers, meadows, and volcanic grandeur. For families and casual hikers, the falls themselves are a perfect destination-close to the road, easy to reach, and unforgettable in their setting. For those willing to push farther, the extension to Sifford Lakes offers quiet waters, rugged volcanic outcrops, and a glimpse of Lassen’s more remote backcountry.
The story begins high on Lassen Peak, where snowmelt trickles off the slopes and gathers into streams that braid across green meadows. These rivulets join to form Kings Creek, which plunges suddenly over a volcanic ledge, splitting into twin cascades before roaring into a narrow canyon. The falls are only about 50 feet high, but their drama lies in the contrast-the white spray erupting against dark canyon walls, the cool mist rising through the forest, the sound of water echoing through the rock.
The hike to the falls is as delightful as the destination. Meadows sparkle with corn lilies in early summer, the Cascades tumble in stair-step drops along a granite staircase trail, and the cool shade of fir and pine accompanies you most of the way.
Sifford Lakes, a string of small alpine tarns, add another dimension. Bench Lake is modest but inviting, a shallow pool framed by forest. The second Sifford Lake is the true gem-larger, deeper, and backed by knobby volcanic ridges. From a nearby promontory you can look south across to Devil’s Kitchen, where steam vents and sulfur-stained earth remind you that this is still an active volcanic landscape.
This pairing of waterfalls and lakes makes Kings Creek one of Lassen’s signature day hikes: a short-and-scenic walk for beginners, or a longer, more exploratory loop for those with time and energy. Either way, you’ll return with a sense of the park’s living waters and restless earth.
From the park’s Southwest Entrance Station, travel 12 miles north on Highway 89 (a couple miles past the Lassen Peak trailhead) to the signed parking area for Kings Creek. The path departs from the right (south) side of the highway.
Begin with a gentle 0.25-mile stroll among tall fir and pine, then enter Lower Meadow, a green expanse bright with corn lilies and wildflowers in early summer. Past the meadow, take the left fork toward the falls. The trail descends steeply beside Kings Creek on a granite staircase, offering a thrilling walk past a long sequence of small cascades-known collectively as “The Cascades.”
About 1.2 miles from the trailhead, arrive at the fenced overlook of Kings Creek Falls. Pause to admire the twin cascades plunging into the volcanic canyon, then backtrack 100 yards to the signed Sifford Lakes junction if extending your trip.
Cross Kings Creek on a footbridge and climb briefly to a ridge before the trail levels through forest and volcanic outcrops. In 0.6 mile, reach Bench Lake, a shallow pool tucked beneath the trees. Continue 0.4 mile to a junction, where a right spur leads to the Sifford Lakes. The first is modest but pleasant for swimming. The second, larger lake, about 0.75 mile farther, is far more scenic, with rocky knolls and fine views. Beyond, adventurous hikers can explore additional small lakes or a promontory that overlooks Devil’s Kitchen.
Return by retracing your steps to Bench Lake, then descend easily through forest and meadow to the trailhead.