Loves Falls

Here, Loves Falls is a collection of three drops along the North Yuba River just east of Sierra City. Traditionally, Loves Falls refers to one drop along the river. This waterfall is still referred to as Loves Falls here and is the upstream-most of the three listed. It is located immediately downstream of the PCT footbridge over the river. This waterfall was named for the large heart-shaped boulder that splits the waterfall in two during higher flows. The USGS topo maps mark Loves Falls as being further downstream, but this must be a mistake because of the lack of a giant heart-shaped rock in that location (and a waterfall). Lower Loves Falls is located just downstream of where Loves Falls is marked on the topo maps, where there is only a small rapid along the river. In strictly comparing the waterfalls (not the surroundings), Lower Loves Falls is a better waterfall than Loves Falls because it is similar in height (probably a little taller) but is wider. Lower Loves Falls also possesses a large boulder to its side, but it is not heart-shaped. Loves Falls would not be very interesting without the namesake boulder and footbridge. Middle Loves Falls is the largest (tallest) of the three and can be viewed from the same viewpoint for 1001 Ridge Falls, the best waterfall along this section of the river. The Middle Falls is larger than it appears in the pictures. To the best of my knowledge no one else online describes the Middle and Lower Falls.

Location

Loves Falls: 39.5800 N, 120.6079 W

Middle Loves Falls: 39.5795 N, 120.6072 W

Lower Loves Falls: 39.5775 N, 120.6079 W

USGS Topo: Haypress Valley

Directions

From Sierra City, take CA-49 northeast for ~1.7 miles to the a long dirt pullout area off the eastern side of the highway. Park at the southern end of pullout and find the small trail leading through the woods (to the southeast) to intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the PCT north for ~500 ft to just before the footbridge over the North Yuba River. The waterfall is immediately downstream of the footbridge with the namesake rock. There is a steep side-trail down to the side of the river just before the chain-linked fence begins before the footbridge. The Middle Falls are found ~200 feet downstream of Loves Falls. A good viewpoint for the Middle Falls (and 1001 Ridge Falls) is a small cliff to the south of the Middle Falls (accessed from PCT further south). Be careful if you venture onto this ridge, because the edge is vertical and drops into the river. The Lower Falls are located ~800 feet downstream of the Middle Falls and can be accessed from where the pullout trail meets the PCT by heading south through the woods (steep) or through the open rocky area north of the Lower Falls.

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