The GHOST Waterfall of California That Appears and Vanishes Like MAGIC

Imagine hiking for miles, wondering if the destination even exists. Then, just when you start to doubt, a massive waterfall appears, tumbling down a sheer cliffside.

That’s Phantom Falls, a stunning 166-foot seasonal waterfall tucked into the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve near Oroville, California. Unlike year-round waterfalls, this one only flows during the rainy season—which makes finding it feel like uncovering a secret.

@asyatravels

📍 Phantom Falls in Oroville, California 🚙 90 min from Redding, it is a perfect stop on the way to Redding from San Francisco, Sacramento or Los Angeles 🚶‍♀️ 4 miles round trip, longer 7 miles loop is also available. It is rated as moderate on AllTrails but it felt pretty easy. The elevation gain is 500 ft. We took a shorter hike and saw 2 gorgeous waterfalls there including Phantom Falls of course. 🌼 It is full of wildflowers right now! Poppies, goldfields, gilias, and many more! 🌅 We went twice and I loved afternoon+ sunset more as the lighting was gorgeous. 🪨 There’s also a trail down to the waterfall and there’s a cave at the bottom. We tried to go but it was slippery after the rains so we decided to leave this part for the next time. 🎥 Video of me by @journeywithlina Have you heard of this gorgeous place before? Check my lG stories for more views, and I’ll be posting more gems from our trip to Redding soon 🙌 . . . . #Redding #VisitRedding #reddingca #reddingcalifornia #californiatrip Best waterfalls in California, most beautiful trails in California, most beautiful hikes in California

♬ NOW WE ARE FREE FROM GLADIATOR Piano Version – Jason Fervento

🥾 The Hike to Phantom Falls

This isn’t a simple stroll. The hike ranges from 4.2 to 5.5 miles round-trip, depending on your route, and takes you across open grasslands, rocky paths, and occasional stream crossings.

There are no marked trails, so using GPS or a downloaded map is crucial unless you enjoy wandering aimlessly in nature. Expect to see grazing cattle, dramatic basalt rock formations, and—if you time it right—a wildflower explosion in spring.

🌊 When to Visit

Timing is everything. Phantom Falls only appears after significant rainfall, usually from late autumn to early spring.

Visit too soon after a storm, and you’ll be trudging through slippery, muddy trails. Wait too long, and you’ll just be staring at a dry rock face.

🚗 Tips for Your Trip

• A CDFW Lands Pass is required – If you’re 16 or older and don’t have a California hunting or fishing license, you’ll need to purchase a pass beforehand.
• Arrive early – Parking at Cherokee Road trailhead is limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends.
• Wear proper hiking shoes – The uneven terrain and lack of shade make this a challenging trek.
• Bring water and snacks – There are no water sources or restrooms beyond the parking lot.
• Respect private property – Some sections of the hike cross private land, so stick to designated paths.

🏚️ The Hidden Gold Rush Relic

There’s more to Phantom Falls than just the waterfall. A cave behind the falls hides an abandoned Gold Rush-era mine shaft, a relic of California’s 1800s mining boom.

You can explore the grotto, but be careful—the rocks can be slippery, and the cave isn’t reinforced.

@in2thewild_

“Phantom Falls is a waterfall near Oroville, California, within the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.” #phantomfalls #california #waterfall #fyp

♬ original sound – çõłtõņ ðräķë

🌄 Worth the Trek?

If you time it right, absolutely. Seeing Phantom Falls in full flow is like witnessing a piece of nature that wasn’t meant to be found.

If it’s dry, well—at least the wildflowers and panoramic views make the hike worth it.