01
Quick local escape
Montgomery Creek Falls
Highway 299 Corridor By Montgomery Creek • Short Scramble To A Rugged Waterfall • Closest To Town
A steep but quick path drops from Highway 299 to a compact gorge where Montgomery Creek tumbles through boulders.
If you want a leg-stretcher without a long drive, this is the closest true hike to the community of Montgomery Creek. Expect an informal, sometimes slick scramble rather than a groomed trail, with roots and loose dirt on the way down to the water. Go when flows are moderate so you can safely explore the rocks and enjoy the sound of the falls without heavy spray.
02
Waterfall favorite
Potem Falls
Pit River Canyon North Of Town • Shaded Waterfall Trail With Swimming Hole • Best Summer Cool-Down
A short descent leads to a tall, sheer-drop waterfall pouring into a deep pool tucked in the Pit River canyon.
From the Fenders Ferry Road turnout, the trail heads quickly downhill through oaks and pines before the view opens to the 70-foot falls. The hike is brief but the climb back out is a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, so bring water and sturdy shoes. In warm weather this spot is popular for swimming and cliff-jumping, so arrive earlier in the day if you prefer a quieter soak.
03
Scenic swimming hole
Hatchet Creek Falls (Lion Slide)
Hatchet Creek Gorge West Of Montgomery Creek • Photogenic Creekside Waterfall Gorge • Most Instagram-Ready Stop
A short forest walk reaches a tiered waterfall dropping into clear pools framed by mossy basalt walls.
Accessed from a network of dirt roads off Highway 299, Hatchet Creek Falls rewards a bit of navigation with a classic NorCal swimming hole scene. The trail itself is short and mostly easy, but there are roots, mud, and short scrambly sections near the water. Weekends can feel busy, so locals often aim for early mornings or shoulder seasons to enjoy the falls with fewer crowds.
04
Classic day trip
Burney Falls Loop Trail
Mcarthur-Burney Falls State Park Near Burney • Iconic State-Park Waterfall Loop • Top Pick For First-Time Visitors
A well-built loop drops to the base of Burney Falls and continues along Burney Creek with multiple viewpoints.
Though it’s a bit of a drive from Montgomery Creek, many locals consider Burney Falls a must-see at least once a season. The main loop is short, signed, and well maintained, making it accessible for most visitors while still feeling dramatic thanks to the constant mist and thundering water. If you have extra time, link short side trails along the creek for a more relaxed half-day in the park.
05
Backcountry-style outing
Magee Peak Trail
Lassen National Forest High Country • High-Elevation Forest And Summit Route • Best Full-Day Adventure
A longer, steadily climbing trail leads through mixed forest to open views from the shoulder of Magee Peak.
For hikers looking beyond waterfall strolls, Magee Peak offers a quieter mountain feel within a reasonable drive of Montgomery Creek. The route follows old forest roads and singletrack, gaining elevation gradually before breaking into bigger views of the surrounding plateaus and distant volcanoes. Snow can linger well into spring at higher elevations, so locals typically save this one for late spring through fall when the road and trail are fully open.