{"id":4796,"date":"2019-05-09T07:44:17","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T14:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4796"},"modified":"2024-04-04T07:04:33","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T14:04:33","slug":"potem-falls-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/09\/potem-falls-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Potem Falls Trail: Short Hike to a Stunning Waterfall!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Potem Creek tumbles 70 feet over Potem Falls to crash into a beautiful, rock-rimmed swimming hole, all yours for a short trail hike.<\/p>\n

Potem Falls, near the Pit River in the Shasta Lake National Recreation Area of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern part of Northern California. Unlike Burney Falls<\/a> and the three waterfalls of the McCloud River<\/a> near Highway 89, Potem Falls is a bit off the beaten track, which means you’ll share it with relatively few people.<\/p>\n

\"Potem
Potem Falls on Potem Creek. (rcrundwell<\/a> via Creative Commons license<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/p>\n

Potem Falls Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 0.6 mile round-trip
\nDifficulty: Easy
\nType: Day hike
\nElevation gain: 140 feet
\nHigh point: 1300 feet
\nSeason: year-round
\nInformation: Shasta Lake Ranger Station, Shasta Lake National Recreation Area, Shasta-Trinity National Forest; 530-275-1587; website here<\/a>
\nPermits: no permit needed
\nPotem Falls Trailhead GPS coordinates: N 40 50.332 W 122 01.610
\nNotes: dogs allowed on leash<\/p>\n

Potem Falls: When to Visit<\/h2>\n

Potem Creek flows strongest in winter and spring, especially after rainstorms, so go then if you want to see Potem Falls in full glory. However, late spring through early fall is the best time to swim, since air temperatures are highest and the pool at the base of the waterfall is so inviting. The hottest days are in July and August.<\/p>\n

Potem Falls Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

From Redding, take Exit 680 off Interstate 5 onto CA Highway 299. Drive 30.5 miles and then turn left onto Fenders Ferry Road, which is also known as Forest Road 34N17 and Road 27. It’s paved for the first 3.5 miles and then good dirt thereafter. Cross the Pit River on a bridge at 8.8 miles. Watch carefully for the unsigned trailhead on the left 0.6 mile beyond the bridge, a total of 9.4 miles from Highway 299. You can usually hear the waterfall from the trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"Potem
Potem Falls hiking trail map: Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Shasta Lake National Recreation Area. Includes Pit River and Fenders Flat. (Courtesy of Caltopo.com<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hiking the Potem Falls Trail<\/h2>\n

The trail descends moderately for 0.3 mile through a forest of canyon live oak, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine. Look for a view down at Potem Falls at the first switchback. Two more switchbacks bring you to the base of the waterfall.<\/p>\n

Potem Falls plunges to a cacophonous meeting with a deep and broad pool, creating a cooling mist that feels great on hot days. Come from late morning to mid-afternoon if you want sun; otherwise the steep walls of the Potem Creek drainage create full shade.<\/p>\n

More Shasta Lake Hiking Trails<\/h2>\n

\"Day<\/a>I’m the author of several Northern California hiking guidebooks. My book Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions<\/em><\/a> has 125 hikes, including four trails\/trail systems in Shasta Lake National Recreation Area:<\/p>\n