Introduction:
What? : Hatchet Creek
Falls, or known also as Lion Slide Falls, is a popular swimming hole and cliff
jumping destination in Shasta County. The trail and the waterfall are on
private property, visiting here is at your own risk.
This location is part of my "North California Waterfall Loop" road-trip suggestion.
Where? : Located just
off highway 299 on Big Bend Road, between Redding and Burney. The Big Bend Road
exit from highway 299 is located 35.1 miles east from highway 5 or 20 miles
west of the 4 coroners’ junction.
Google Map Link
When? : Year round,
preferable in hot summer day.
Due note 1: I do not
recommend visiting this place, visiting here is at your own risk.
Although there
are no visible “private property” or “stay out signs” looks like that the
property owners of the land that includes the trail to Hatchet Creek Falls
closed the area to visitors.
Due Note 2: This waterfall
visit can be combined with other nearby waterfalls visits, including: Potem Falls and McArthur Burney Falls State Park (one of the most beautiful waterfall
in California)
My thoughts: A very short
hike will take you to a nice waterfall and swimming pool. A short, nice stop on
your road-trip east of Redding. I did not went down to the waterfall but rather
say at the viewing point just before the waterfall. The trail down to the
waterfall base is unmaintained but doable but I was short on time and had to
keep with my driving.
Addition North California blog posts:- North California - Waterfalls Loop Road-Trip (Redding – Shasta)
- McArthur Burney Falls State Park
- Potem Creek Falls, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
- McCloud River Falls, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
- Lake Siskiyou and Faery falls, Shasta County
- Heart and Castle Lakes Hike, Shasta County
- Hedge Creek Falls, Shasta County
- Castle Crags State Park
- Redwood Parks at Northern California Coastline – Visit Planning
- Highway 101 Attractions between Leggett to Avenue of the Giants
The visit:
The waterfall itself
is located a quarter of a mile from the road parking lot. The last section of
the trail is not maintained, and you need to scramble your way down, plan for 30
minutes visit at list, if you plan to swim it will be a longer visit.
The easiest trail
that leads to the falls follows the edge of the creek after exiting the parking
lot. The trail starts behind the small parking lot boulders on the right end.
Pass the boulders and the vegetation tunnel and quickly the trail scrambles it
way to the creek side and from there down to the bottom of the waterfalls.
The 25-foot Hatchet
Creek Falls is unique by the giant fallen tree that lays right in the middle
the waterfall, creating a nice photo location and stairway for swimmers to
climb and jump into the water.
Additional Pictures:
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