Hatchet Creek

Hatchet Creek is a Falls swimming destination near Redding in California. The setting stays informal and low-key. There are no signs pointing you here, no entry gates, no amenities. Just wild water, dappled sunlight, and the sound of a waterfall doing what it has always done. Getting to Hatchet Creek Falls requires a short but moderately challenging hike through terrain that doesn't come with marked trails or handrails. You'll push through dense brush, pick your way across uneven ground, and then suddenly, the creek opens up before you. In spring, the surrounding hillsides are electric green, fed by snowmelt and seasonal rains. By summer, the foliage deepens and the air smells of warm earth and pine. In fall, the crowds thin further and the leaves shift to amber and gold, making it a stunning destination for photographers and those who simply want stillness. The untouched character of this place is its greatest asset. It feels genuinely discovered rather than designed. Swimmers can wade into the pools beneath the falls, where the water is refreshingly cold even on the hottest summer afternoons. The natural rock formations rise at various heights above the water, offering jumping spots for those with the nerve and the judgment to use them safely. No lifeguards patrol Hatchet Creek. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.

Hatchet Creek works well as a day trip from Redding or Burney. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Mccloud River Swimming Holes In Northern California (about 19 mi away) or browse more California waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in California, see our state directory.

This is an unofficial, undeveloped natural area. There is no designated parking, signage, or maintained trail. Access may involve navigating unmarked paths or rugged terrain. Respect private property boundaries and practice Leave No Trace principles. No fee information is confirmed.

Located near Redding, the cultural hub of Northern California, and Burney, a town known for its proximity to Burney Falls. The area reflects the natural and historical richness of the Shasta Cascade region.

Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect vegetation. Ensure the natural beauty of Hatchet Creek is preserved.