Near Angel Falls and McLeod Flat from Bass Lake
View from one of the top pools of Willow Creek.
Near Angel Falls and McLeod Flat from Bass Lake
Freezing water flowing down the slides at Angel Falls.

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Hike Route

Angel Falls and McLeod Flat from Bass Lake

3.6 (7 Ratings)
A well-used lower portion of Willow Creek Trail. Few hike the more secluded trail above Angel Falls.
1.1
mi
Distance
359
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Dogs AllowedFall ColorsRiver/CreekSpringSwimmingViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.09mi
Distance
359ft
Elevation Gain
359ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
3,757ft
High Point
3,487ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
A nice start to the full Willow Creek Trail, this hike will take you to Angel Falls where you can picnic on the granite or continue your hike if you feel like a longer outing. Along the way, you may encounter a bit of poison oak along the trail, plenty of mosquitoes, and blood thirsty midges. A head net may be wise in the earlier morning and afternoon - these guys can make mosquitoes seem pretty tame on a bad day. There may be a few nude sunbathers since there are several very secluded swimming holes both above and below the falls. The water is extremely cold and fast, and the granite has been polished smooth by the water. Wear good shoes with tread on them and maybe consider some trekking poles as well. At least one person has been killed along this waterway every year for the past several years at least. Water is usually warm enough and calm enough after the 4th of July holiday, but the rock are always slippery. Dogs are required to be under voice control per Sierra National Forrest Regulations. The upper trail has some fencing.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Lindsey Hubert Roberts