Mendocino Waterfall Loop Trail
The waterfall on the Mendocino Loop Trail
This is an excellent summertime camping trail for people living in Northern California. You don’t have to do the entire loop, from the dirt parking lot it is ~5 miles back to the waterfall area where there are several nice camping spots. While there in Summer 2009 my friends and I organized a large ring of logs and created a base for 17 people!
Traffic on this trail is relatively low because it takes forever to reach the trail head by car, nearly 16 miles on a small dirt road. You’re really out in the middle of nowhere and the forest service didn’t even charge us for parking or entrance. We only saw one other group of hikers on our mid-summer weekend trip and there was plenty of space where we stayed so nobody was kept up by our crazy campfire antics.
The river is very cold but worth jumping into on a hot day, standing under the waterfall is very refreshing and the cliff side there is perfect for sitting and hanging out. On the last leg of the hike the trail gets a bit faint, curve right and listen for the sound of falls. For those with more energy, setup camp downstream from the falls (directly below is too steep/rocky) and then continue on the loop up to the East Peak where there is often a bit of melting snow.
- Official Park Info
- Distance: 13 miles
- Elevation: 5200′ – 6400′
- Type: Hiking, Pack & Saddle
- Difficulty of finding/following: Easy
The trail begins at the West Crockett Trailhead and passes near a beautiful falls, with excellent views provided by a short spur trail. After crossing the Middle Fork of Stony Creek, the route follows benchy country in pine trees. As the trail turns to the sough, grand views of the Lake Pillsbury Basin and surrounding mountains are prevalent to the west with the Middle Fork of Stony Creek Canyon to the east. The trail leads into Milk Ranch, one of the largest meadow areas on Snow Mountain. Although the Milk Ranch meadow is private property, the landowner allows horse and foot travelers to pass through on the trail, but requests that no camps be set up within the posted portion of the meadow. As the trail turns north again and passes through the meadow, there are wonderful views from the ridge. As it approaches West Crockett Trailhead, the route switchbacks down to Stony Creek before ascending to the Trailhead.
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- The waterfall on the Mendocino Loop Trail
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2009-09-27
17:14:58
Some of us went a few years ago and I'd say despite the wrong turn that added 4 miles uphill, falling into a creek and losing people...we all had a great time. We're better now. Smarter, Stronger.
Our plan was to head up late Sat morning from SF, stay up there Sat night and Sun night, and come back to SF Monday morning. That gave us a full day to chill outside by the waterfall, explore, make mixed drinks from the ice melted creek and build a fire! I called the ranger and the trail was open and fires were all good, just needed a permit (see below).
Note this is a hike in, camp and hike out situation. It's prob a 1- 2 hr hike each way covering maybe 4-5 miles as posted above... some of it over a creek and up switchbacks. Not too difficult but def not car camping. Bring a shovel.
Here is a description of the trail with pics and directions. And driving directions to trail head. It's about a 3.5 hr drive from San Francisco. Here is the official waterfall loop trail page.
Go to the official Mendocino Forest page for updated conditions and fire permit download... which requires download, sign, and fax to be all good with open fires.