As one of the most popular trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Kings Creek Falls trail takes hikers through expansive vistas, dramatic landscapes, alpine meadows, and a few waterfalls, including the star of the show: a thundering 30-foot waterfall. Kings Creek Falls trail is seriously beautiful the whole way. The scenery along this trail exceeded our expectations. And the best part: this hike is only 3 miles round trip, making it a perfect hike for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
Kings Creek Falls Trailhead
40.460584, -121.459424
Parking is available on both sides of the main road.
Lassen Volcanic National Park charges an entrance fee. The fee varies depending on the vehicle used to enter the park (car, motorcycle, bike, on foot, or on horseback). For more information, click here. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass or an annual pass, you can use either of those instead.
2.3 mile lollipop loop
700 ft
Moderate
2 hours
June through October. We recommend going either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The trail has minimal shade and can get very warm.
There isn’t any restroom here.
Pets are not allowed on the trail!
During the Spring, creek crossings can be dangerous due to the snowmelt. There might be snow on the ground through the summer months, especially in the forested sections of the trail.
Kings Creek Falls trailhead is located on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, along the main highway. It is about 13 miles from the Southwest Entrance (Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center). There is parking in the pullouts on either side of the highway, next to the trailhead. There aren’t that many spots to park near the trailhead. If parking is full here, there are a few pullouts further down the highway from both directions. Please make sure to pay attention to traffic when hiking along or crossing the highway.
We started our hike on a crisp morning in early June. Even though there were some patches of snow in the distance, Kings Creek Falls was clear of snow. After parking, we climbed down the staircase to start our adventure.
As soon as we left the trailhead, the Kings Creek Falls trail started its descent toward a lush meadow. Between the trees, we could see Kings Creek running through the luxuriant meadow. Even though it is smaller than Paradise Meadow, it is still very beautiful. After leaving the meadow, the trail continued to weave through the pine forests. Since we went at the start of summer, we saw wildflowers and mushrooms popping up along the way. Along the way, we came upon our first junction. There are signs here. We followed the sign to go straight toward Kings Creek Falls.
After about 0.6 miles from the Kings Creek Falls trailhead, we reached the second junction, which is the start of the Kings Creek Falls loop. Here, there is a sign telling you to start the loop clockwise, up the Upper Cascades section first and return either the same way or through the Cascades Foot section. The Cascades Foot section is a one-way route, to be traveled uphill ONLY.
We followed the sign to head up the hill. From the top of the hill, we had a panoramic view of the area. It was quite beautiful. From above, we could also look down to see the Cascades Foot section, which runs along beautiful cascades. Soon, the Kings Creek Falls Trail started its descent through a series of switchbacks.
At the bottom of the switchbacks, there is a green meadow with a wooden plank stretching across it. When we went, wildflowers were blooming on both sides of the plank. Once we walked across the plank to the other side, we came to a junction with directional signs. Here, you’ll want to turn left if you want to go to Kings Creek Falls. It is about 0.3 miles to the falls. Going right will lead you up the Cascades Foot section of the Kings Creek Falls loop.
After leaving the junction, the Kings Creek Falls trail continues to go down. Along the way, we spotted a couple of smaller waterfalls. Even though they were smaller, they were still quite beautiful. The trail crosses over a couple of creeks and weaves through a small forest of burnt trees. Soon, we reached the top of the main event, the Kings Creek Falls. There is a viewing platform here, giving hikers a full view of the falls. Although Kings Creek Falls isn’t as tall as Mill Creek Falls, it is a lot more impressive. These falls remind us of Rainbow Falls in Mammoth. If you really want to, you can scramble down to the bottom of the fall. The way down is sketchy, though, not for the inexperienced.
Once we were done admiring the views, we made our way back. After the waterfalls, the Kings Creek Falls trail turns into a backcountry trail and goes further. But for our purpose, we turned back after seeing the Kings Creek Falls. Once we reached the start of the Cascades Foot section of the Kings Creek Falls loop, we decided to complete our loop and return this way. You can also go back to the trailhead through the Upper Cascades section.
The Cascades Foot section is narrow and steep. However, it is also very beautiful. Besides Kings Creek Falls, this Cascades Foot section is our favorite. The trail runs alongside Kings Creek Cascades. They aren’t waterfalls per se, but more like a torrent of white water rushing down a 45-degree slope. The flow was pretty impressive when we were there. Make sure to take your time hiking up the Cascades Foot section. It is steep and rocky. We had to stop a few times to catch our breath. Once you get to the top of the Cascades Foot section, the Kings Creek Falls join back up. From here, return the same way you came in.
We highly recommend doing this hike when visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you love hikes like this, we recommend Mist Falls Trail in Kings Canyon. If you love waterfalls, check out Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon.
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These are the gear that we personally use and find helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
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Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
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