01
Best close-to-town stroll
Tule River Levee Trail
Along The Tule River In Fall River Mills • Easy In-Town Levee And Riverside Walk • Relaxed Everyday Outing
A flat, family-friendly path on top of the levee along the Tule River right in Fall River Mills.
This is the go-to walk when you want fresh air without a long drive. The levee trail follows the river past pastures and cottonwoods, with open views and plenty of birdlife. It is more of a walking path than a backcountry hike, but it is ideal for stretching your legs, walking the dog, or catching sunset colors over the valley.
02
Most iconic waterfall hike
McArthur–Burney Falls Memorial State Park
West Of Fall River Mills Near Burney • State Park Waterfall And Forest Loop Trails • Classic Day Trip From Town
Short but spectacular trails wind around Burney Falls, one of Northern California’s most impressive waterfalls.
From Fall River Mills, this is the standout destination when you want a sure-thing hike. The main Falls Loop drops you into a cool, misty canyon with thundering water and mossy rock walls, then climbs back through mixed forest with side views of the creek. Add a bit of the Rim or Burney Creek trails for a longer outing and quieter sections away from the overlook crowds.
03
Rugged adventure pick
Pit River Falls Trail
Highway 299 East Of Fall River Mills • Informal Steep Trail To A Riverside Waterfall • For Surefooted Explorers
A short, steep user path drops from a highway vista down to a hidden slot where the Pit River pours over basalt ledges.
From the roadside viewpoint, the falls look distant, but a rough path leads down through lava rock and brush to the riverbank. The descent is loose and can be confusing in spots, so it is best for experienced hikers comfortable with scrambling and route-finding. The payoff is an intimate perspective on the canyon and falls that most travelers speeding along 299 never see.
04
Best big-view ridge hike
Hat Creek Rim Pacific Crest Trail Section
Hat Creek Rim South Of Fall River Mills • Exposed Rim Walk On The Pacific Crest Trail • Best For Long Vistas And Sunsets
A high, open stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail along Hat Creek Rim offers sweeping views toward Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta.
Starting near the Hat Creek Rim Overlook, you can follow the PCT north or south along the edge of a lava escarpment with sky-wide views almost the entire way. The footing is generally easy, but there is little shade and it can be hot and windy, so bring water and pick cooler parts of the day. It is a great place for locals to catch a big-sky evening walk or for visitors to sample a classic section of the long-distance trail without a backpack.
05
Most unique paddle-and-hike outing
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Big Lake And Fall River Arm Northeast Of Town • Boat-In Lava-Flow Park With Shoreline Trails • Quiet, Off-The-Grid Escape
Reachable only by boat, this lake-dotted lava landscape offers quiet shoreline paths, springs, and views back toward the Fall River Valley.
From local launches on Big Lake or the Fall River arm, a short paddle brings you to the park’s primitive mooring spots and trailheads. Once on shore, you can wander old ranch roads and footpaths through jagged lava, open pine forest, and along impossibly clear springs. It is a rewarding choice when you want a full-day outing that feels remote without being far from Fall River Mills.