rancheria falls
LAKESHORE (huntington lake), ca
rancheria falls
QUICK STATS:
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 176 feet (from the trailhead)
Seasonality: Best in May - August
Trailhead: Clearly marked one mile from the Rancheria Falls dirt path turnout on Hwy 168.
Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead. Can park along dirt path.
Facilities: Pit toilets at the trailhead, no potable water anywhere along trail.
Difficulty: Family friendly trail
Description:
The Rancheria Falls trail is a short and easy hike that is fun for the whole family. At the end of the one mile trail through dense Sierra Nevada Forest, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the 150 foot Rancheria Falls. This is a moderately trafficked trail that is best viewed in the spring months when the water flow is stronger.
Trip Planner Details:
This hike is located one mile north of China Peak Resort near Huntington Lake. Take the Rancheria Falls turnout on Hwy 168 (first right you can make after China Peak) to drive up a one mile dirt road to the trailhead. This road to the trailhead is usually open, however, there is limited parking available. If there is no room at the trailhead parking lot, you can park along the dirt path near the turnout on Hwy 168.
The trail is right near Huntington Lake, but for GPS purposes, you should be looking for the Rancheria Falls in Lakeshore, CA.
There are pit toilets at the trailhead, and there is no potable water anywhere along trail, so bring water bottles for everyone hiking.
When You Do Your Research:
Keep in mind that you will see many different descriptions of how long the trail is. The actual trail from trailhead to waterfall is about a mile - making it two miles roundtrip. Other reviews may show four miles roundtrip, but that is because they are counting the mile from the street sign indicating the Rancheria Falls turnoff from Hwy 168 that you can choose to hike or drive. You may end up having to park at the turnoff if the trailhead parking lot is full.
Tips From One Who Hiked It:
This is a great quick trail for families, little kids and dogs! Bring a water bottle and a camera for fun family pictures!
