Middle McCloud River Falls Overlook - off Calif. Hwy 89 - Scenic Roadside Look-Outs on Waymarking.com

Middle McCloud River Falls is located on the McCloud River at an elevation of about 3360 feet where it spills over a ledge of basalt. The falls is about 45 feet high with a plunge pool, which is frequently used for swimming. During spring flows the river is wide and spills over an area about 120 feet wide, but during the fall there can be two smaller falls. There is also a view of Mt. Shasta from the parking area.
There is an interpretive sign, parking area and picnic area near the falls and a short trail leads to overlook.

Text sign at viewpoint:
Middle Falls is a reminder of the forces of nature that are constantly reshaping our world.
How did the McCould River form this canyon and waterfall?
Middle falls is not here by chance. The McCloud River flowed into a geologically weakened area between the Klamath and Cascade mountains. Fragile rock was carved away by the river, and formed the deep canyon. Stronger rock was left in place, and formed the waterfall. Both ancient and modern geologic processes formed the river’s path.
During the past 10,000 years, thirteen eruptions from Mt. Shasta and other nearby volcanoes, created basalt lava flows layered with mudflows. Tis varied landscape lies behind you, on this side of the river.
On the other side of the river are ocean floor deposits that once lay far offshore. As the ocean floor slid beneath the continent, these ancient deposits were scraped, slice by slice, onto the land.

Describe - Highway or Road number: Calif. Hwy. 89 Closest town or city: McCloud, California Number of parking spots available: 20 Summer View: yes Year around access ?: no Comfort station on site: yes Is a photo of an "Information Sign"included?: Yes Name if a website describes this location.: Not listed Winter View: Not Listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   02/18/2024 saopaulo1 visited it 09/23/2012 Volcanoguy visited it

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