About Wilderness Falls
Wilderness Falls is a named waterfall in Siskiyou County, California, located about 13 miles west of Happy Camp. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Devils Punchbowl 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 41°47′24″ N, 123°37′41″ W (41.79008, -123.62797). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Preston Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Cedar Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), and Cedar Basin (basin, 1.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Loretta Falls, 15 miles to the north.
USGS gazetteer description: On Clear Creek, 5.6 km (3.5 mi) south of Preston Peak and 20.8 km (13 mi) west of Happy Camp. (US-T121)
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Weather at Wilderness Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Wilderness Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Wilderness Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Wilderness Falls holds a 5.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Wilderness Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Preston Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Cedar Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Cedar Basin — basin, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 41.79008, -123.62797. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Wilderness Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wilderness Falls located?
Wilderness Falls is in Siskiyou County, California, about 13 miles west of Happy Camp. Its coordinates are 41.79008, -123.62797 (41°47′24″ N, 123°37′41″ W).
What town is closest to Wilderness Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Happy Camp, CA, about 13 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Wilderness Falls?
The closest is Loretta Falls (15 mi north). Others within reach include Maple Falls (25 mi), Horsetail Falls (27 mi), and Ponytail Falls (27 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Wilderness Falls?
Wilderness Falls appears on the USGS Devils Punchbowl 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.