Distance: 1.6 RT Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 255 FT
Difficulty: Easy
Sometimes enchantment is just a short stroll away, as is the case with Faery Falls. Nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Faery Falls is an easily accessible, enchanting waterfall that drops about 50 feet into a small pool. The short, easy hike on a dirt road above Ney Springs Creek passes a few stone remnants of the fountain from the old Ney Springs Resort. Watch for the single-track drop-in trail to the waterfall on the left at .8 mile. Some have described this final section as difficult – in adverse conditions such as mud, snow, or ice, it could be. In dry conditions with appropriate shoes, it’s no problem.
The falls area is small and enclosed by rocks and trees. It can become crowded quickly. Especially important to go early on a weekday if you want your best chance of solitude. Luckily, I was there early and had it to myself.
Views of Mt. Shasta on the way to the trail. Not sure what the rooster was doing there. Perhaps a pet from the VW double bus?
Notes: The Faery Falls “Trail” is the dirt road to the right of the large parking lot. Parking is free! This hike is easy to combine with the Castle Lake Trail to Heart Lake and beyond. (Post to come!)
Trailhead address: Ney Springs Road, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Trailhead coordinates: 41.265953, -122.32439 (41° 15′ 57.43″N 122° 19′ 27.80″W)
Pro tip: Stop at Theory Coffee in Mt. Shasta City on the way in or out. They served me the BEST post-hike brioche breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had! It’s a bakery too, with incredible delights on display. (Didn’t get a shot of them as I was too busy drooling!)
Happy Trails & Tummies!
Leave No Trace!
On the Loose Live 