The Chambers Creek Falls

Are you ready for a real trail challenge? Check out the Chambers Creek Falls. This fantastic series of waterfalls is located at Plumas National Forest, Plumas County in Oroville. From Oroville, you will be driving for 42.8 miles northeast by taking Highway #70 . On the north side of the highway, about 40 miles from Quincy, look for the signed trailhead. Across a school and a campground is a dirt parking pullout. Head directly to the trailhead a short distance from there by hiking up a dirt road.

The strenuous hike to the falls is a mere 1.8 miles uphill but rises to a sharp elevation of about 2000 feet, which is really uphill the entire way without break. The best time of the hike this trail is from March to July. Though the trail is easy to follow, the challenge part is the number of fallen dead trees blocking your path every now and then, which I doubt if the forest people will take away soon.

The trail ends to a bridge at the base of one 40-foot cascade, which is again blocked by a fallen tree just across the waterfall. From there, you can get a good view of the upper 100-foot cascade, but can you reach for it? Most people would pass that chance because of the danger it entails. But for the crazy hyper-adventurous type, this is another chance to practice the stunt skills. Though you may have the guts but if you are in top shape and have a good experience at this, better pass this one, too. It’s just too dangerous and difficult. You have to climb the cliff section on the east side of the creek and traverse over to falls.

Along the way, you will also get a view of another 40-foot cascade, which is not visible from the bottom where you came from. As you come nearer the falls, it gets more difficult and dangerous. Right at the end you have to get up onto a ledge to get up beside the falls. Once you reach there, the feeling is fantastic. It’s all worth the climb and the danger. Just standing this 100-foot cascade give the feeling of achievement and awe.

Over the creek, just below the bridge, is another 100 foot waterfall, which is not so dangerous so reach, but equally difficult. You may even notice that there might be another waterfall far below, but common sense will tell you that it would be impossible to access. If you are still looking for more adventure, you can continue up the trail for some great views. It would be another 2-hour uphill hike, a very grueling one. But you may be frustrated because the trail does not proceed all the way up to the top of Chambers Peak.