About Fern Falls
Fern Falls is a named waterfall in Plumas County, California, located about 12 miles southwest of Portola. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Gold Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 39°42′49″ N, 120°39′59″ W (39.71370, -120.66629). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lily Lake (lake, 0.4 mi), Hidden Lake (lake, 0.7 mi), and Grass Lake (lake, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Frazier Falls, 1.3 miles to the east.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 6,T21N,R12E, Mount Diablo Meridian
More Photos
27 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Fern 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 Fern 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 Fern 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
Fern Falls holds a 4.8 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Fern Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lily Lake — lake, 0.4 mi
- Hidden Lake — lake, 0.7 mi
- Grass Lake — lake, 0.8 mi
- Gray Eagle Valley — valley, 0.9 mi
- Long Lake — reservoir, 1.2 mi
- Mount Elwell — summit, 1.3 mi
- Smith Lake — lake, 1.3 mi
- Lakes Basin — basin, 1.5 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 39.71370, -120.66629. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Fern Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fern Falls located?
Fern Falls is in Plumas County, California, about 12 miles southwest of Portola. Its coordinates are 39.71370, -120.66629 (39°42′49″ N, 120°39′59″ W).
What town is closest to Fern Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Portola, CA, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Fern Falls?
The closest is Frazier Falls (1.3 mi east). Others within reach include Loves Falls (9.7 mi), Hackmans Falls (11 mi), and Indian Falls (29 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Fern Falls?
Fern Falls appears on the USGS Gold Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.