Gray Eagle Falls
Gray Eagle Falls
Plumas County, California
Description
Click to view photo(s)
Location
This 25' waterfall is sometimes also referred to as Halsey Falls or Hawsley Falls. I thought these names were too close to the waterfall just downstream of this one, Hawley Falls, so I named it after the creek it was on. I believe Leon Turnbull of waterfallwest.com misplaced his picture on his map of what he called "Halsey Falls" because it looks more like Hawley Falls just downstream (or perhaps it's a waterfall between what I've called Gray Eagle Falls and Hawley Falls). Gray Eagle Falls is not a waterfall that deserves significant recognition (like Frazier Falls), but if you are in the area there are plenty of trails to enjoy and this is a decent waterfall to check out.
Gray Eagle Falls: 39.7089 N, 120.6704 W
USGS Topo: Gold Lake
Directions
From Graeagle, follow CA-89 to the southeast to Gold Lake Highway and turn right. Follow Gold Lake Highway for ~5.1 miles to Gray Eagle Lodge Road and turn right. Follow Gray Eagle Lodge Road for ~0.5 miles to the parking lot in front of the lodge. Walk south along the avenue between the lodge and various cabins to the southern end of the cabins (~0.1 miles). The start of the trail to this waterfall is just S of the "Tamarack" cabin, which is situated on the southern end of the Gray Eagle Lodge area opposite the footbridge over the Gray Eagle Creek which leads to Lily Lake. The start of the trail begins by climbing (to the west) a small hill and then heading generally SW. After ~0.6 mi the trail comes to a trail junction. To the left is signed "Hawley Falls", continue on the main trail (don't turn left). After a further ~0.4 miles the trail comes upon the top of the waterfall. Leave the trail and walk down the rock face (can be slippery) immediately north of the waterfall to get better views. The best views of the waterfall are seen directly east of it, but this involves continuing on the trail, crossing the creek on the footbridge above the waterfall, leaving the trail to the NE ~250 feet from the footbridge and making your way to the north. I found a nice exposed rock outcropping that offered a view of the entire waterfall (very steep cliff-side, travel at your own risk).
Video