Swamp Creek Falls
Swamp Creek Falls
Plumas County, California
Description
Click to view photo(s)
Location
The Lower Falls are easily visible from across the North Fork Feather River, but by themselves aren't much to talk about. They consist (estimates based on USGS topo maps) of about three drops of only about 40' (the tallest being 10-15'). However, after inspecting the aerial views it appears that there are at least four more drops further upstream. The middle falls consist of two drops of at least 80' total (tallest drop being over 60'). The Upper Falls consist of another two drops of at least 40' total. Therefore, I think that this creek deserves a follow-up visit in the future to see these other tiers.
Upper Swamp Creek Falls: 39.8807 N, 121.3803 W
Swamp Creek Falls: 39.8795 N, 121.3768 W
Lower Swamp Creek Falls: 39.8794 N, 121.3733 W
USGS Topo: Kimshew Point & Storrie
Directions
The lower and middle sections of this waterfall can be viewed (from across the river) from ~0.2 miles north of the Elephant Butte Tunnel along CA-70 in the Feather River Canyon (North Fork). However, there is no room to pull off the road here, so you'll have to park a little ways to the north and walk back to the south. To get a closer view of all the sections of this waterfall you'll have to follow the Pulga Road (just west of the Pulga bridge over the river) north for ~0.9 miles and continue on Camp Creek Road for ~9.2 miles (when you reach the intersection right after crossing Camp Creek take the road to the right of Dixie Road) until the road reaches Swamp Creek. I'm not sure how steep the hillside is here, so it may not be practicable. One other option is to follow the train tracks south from Rock Creek ~1.8 miles until they pass over Swamp Creek just before it flows into the river (obviously some danger from trains). Based on aerial views, there may be an upper section just upstream from the Camp Creek/Storrie Road.