Crystal Creek Falls

Crystal Creek Falls is one of many awesome waterfalls in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Hands down the easiest to reach and one of the most enjoyable to watch, this series of two falls belongs on any waterfall checklist. It is literally a short walk down a nice paved service road! Once you reach the picnic area, the main show is Lower Crystal Creek Falls. Careening down a narrow slot canyon and down a granite ledge, you can view the action from above or below. However, if you want to make the journey even more enjoyable, continue down the road, pass the diversion gate house, and climb the hill and granite rocks behind it (these are slippery when wet) to enjoy a view of the upper falls. The upper falls provide a more serene experience and offer great colors from the moss and surrounding foliage. You can continue above these as well if you wish. Lower Crystal Creek Falls is the only man-made waterfall in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. When the Central Valley Project was designed in the 1920s, an important component was the diversion of a large portion of the Trinity River to Whiskeytown Lake, and from there to the Sacramento River. A 17-mile tunnel was excavated to transport the water underground from Trinity Dam to Carr Powerhouse, and the tailings were dumped in the area near Crystal Creek Falls. There is a $10 day fee in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and season passes are good for both Whiskeytown and Lassen parks.