Rush Creek Falls
Rush Creek Falls
Nevada County, California
Description
Click to view photo(s)
Here, Rush Creek Falls is a set of three waterfalls along the western Yuba River Independence Trail northwest of Nevada City. Rush Creek is easily accessible along this trail, but only the upstream-most (Rush Creek Falls) is easily viewed from the trail. An obstructed view of the Middle Falls is possible, but the Lower Falls can only be seen from above unless you climbed down the very steep cliffs to the creek (highly discouraged). This is unfortunate because the Middle and Lower Falls appear to be more impressive than the easily viewed one.
Location
Rush Creek Falls: 39.2822 N, 121.1041 W
Middle Rush Creek Falls: 39.2828 N, 121.1045 W
Lower Rush Creek Falls: 39.2831 N, 121.1048 W
USGS Topo: Nevada City
Directions
From the CA-20/49 intersection in northern Nevada City, follow CA-49 west for ~6.2 miles to the Yuba River Independence Trail parking area off the eastern side of the highway. The trailhead is at the southern end of the parking area. The east trail heads northeast from the trailhead and the west trail heads southwest to a low underpass below the highway. You could also meet the west trail by walking across the highway (southwest from the trailhead). Follow the west trail for a little under 1 mile to where the trail crosses over Rush Creek. Rush Creek Falls is just upstream from here (accessible on boardwalk). The Middle Falls is just downstream of where the trail crosses over Rush Creek and is not as easy to view. You can see an obstructed view from the trail a little west of the creek. The Lower Falls are a little bit further downstream and are the hardest to see head-on. A head-on view would involve getting down to the creek, probably on the western side. However, there is a lot of poison oak in the area and the cliffs are very steep.
Video