Mill Creek Falls Trail

Start behind the amphitheater beside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. The path first descends to West Sulphur Creek, then crosses an open hillside before winding through gullies and the surviving forested stretches. It repeatedly dips and climbs along East Sulphur Creek’s contours rather than steadily gaining a summit. Narrow, rocky sections and creek crossings keep you watching your footing. The repeated rollers are what make the walk feel harder than the mileage suggests; on the way back, that first downhill becomes a final climb.

Much of the old forest burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire, opening views across the slopes but leaving standing dead trees that can fall without warning. The hillside is exposed to sun, and shade is limited through much of the walk. Bring enough water and avoid the hottest part of the day. Deep-tread shoes help on rocky ground, and trekking poles are useful on steeper, uneven sections. The short climbs keep adding up, even though there is no long summit push.

Mill Creek Falls drops 75 feet at the meeting of East Sulphur and Bumpass creeks. It is Lassen’s highest waterfall, but nearby hillsides and trees block some angles, so stay on the trail and look for a clear view from the falls area instead of trying to reach the water. For a photograph, include the wooden bridge and the rock ledge above the drop; they show the scale of the gorge. Beyond the falls, the path crosses the creeks, continues toward Crumbaugh Lake and eventually climbs steeply to Kings Creek Picnic Area. That is a longer point-to-point outing, not part of this falls out-and-back.

The open hillside is known for mule ears, usually in bloom by July, with blue and white stickseed among the other flowers. Look back toward Brokeoff Mountain and Mount Diller as the route opens up. Deer and a variety of birds are often seen in this part of the park, though no sighting is guaranteed. Older photographs show a greener, more wooded setting than the post-fire landscape visitors encounter now.

Use the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking lot; the trail begins behind its adjacent amphitheater. The center has restrooms and a café serving soups, salads, sandwiches, espresso drinks and soft-serve ice cream. It is at the start, not on the trail, and its hours vary by season. A park entrance pass is required; no separate hike permit is listed. Pack water before leaving, and leave pets behind: pets are not allowed on park hiking trails.