Phantom Falls
- meems
- Jan 23, 2017
- 4 min read
On MLK day, four days after a big storm, we decided to hike Phantom Falls in Oroville, CA. The plan was to hike 3.5 miles to and from the overlook. Because there are no trails to the falls, I knew to allocate some extra miles and prepare for getting lost. Prior to my hike, I did a lot of research and below are some helpful links and screenshots that I brought with me during the hike. I would like to emphasize that it is extremely difficult to hike this hike without Google Maps, a compass, and waterproof shoes (unless you're hiking in the summer).
Helpful links:
When you head out for your trek to Phantom Falls, input the below coordinates to the small parking lot. Upon arrival, input the coordinates to the falls. Google Mapping from the lot to the falls helps you find the correct direction to hike. You will notice that you will be hiking in the Northwest direction the entire time along an old line fence (parts were down from the storm). Even if you don't follow this fence, as long as you follow the direction towards the falls on Google Maps, you will find your way there.
***Note that there may be detours to get to Cherokee Road from Table Mountain Road but follow the detour signs and you will be led in the right direction to get to the parking lot.
Coordinates:
Parking Lot: 39.595923, -121.541736
Phantom Falls: 39.61041, -121.56063
On our drive through Marysville to the falls, it was EXTREMELY foggy.
However, five minutes of driving later, it was super clear and sunny. Almost to the parking lot on the left.
First car in the parking lot.
Note this big tree right in front of the lot. When we first started, we had absolutely no idea which direction to walk, so we just started walking towards the Northwest direction indicated by the little blue dot on Google Maps.
When you input the coordinates to the falls, don't follow the way it tells you to drive. Only use this to guide you through the terrain. See red arrow of the direction you will be walking.
Here we go! Walk through this little gate area.
Super wet and muddy.
We crossed multiple streams/creeks and hiked up and down mountains.
There are lots of cattle around. They're harmless (unless you have a dog, more on that later).
After hiking for a while, you will approach the Ravine Falls. If you are following your Google Maps, you will see the falls on your map. It should take you right on top of the falls. Follow the old line fence. At this point, you will need to trespass for about five minutes. You will have to go around this lined fence, which is difficult because there is only a tiny little corner for you to step in so be VERY careful. If you're not careful, you will just fall off the mountain.
After passing the Ravine Falls and going through that trespassing area, there is a small section that is trailed. We were the first ones to arrive beginning our hike at 9 AM but because it was our first time, we did get lost. We found two hikers who did this hike before so we followed them.
You won't get a glimpse of the falls even when you are close. There are many trees and hills so when you arrive, it will be a beautiful surprise.
Finally there!
The beautiful Phantom Falls. Shortly after we arrived, SO many others did as well. You will see others hiking the 7 mile trip all the way around for a different vantage point.
10 AM Phantom Falls view.
After the falls, we headed back the same way we came (at least we attempted too). Here is where things get interesting, frightening, and downright freaking hilarious now that we're past the worrying/panicking stage. You may have noticed that my BFF brought their 6 month old pup with us. Whenever there was open space where it wasn't too rocky or if there weren't any creeks to cross, we would unleash Haugns and let him run off some energy. As we were going up a mountain on our way back with Haugns unleashed, we found ourselves dead smack in the middle of the cattle. Our sweet little Haugns took off and started chasing the cows! At first, I thought this was hilarious so I stood there taking pictures. Then he started herding them away! He ran so far!! At this moment, me and the bestie booked it after Haugns but he just kept on running! For a good moment, I thought that Haugns was a goner. But he snapped out of his trance, realized he had it really good at home, and ran back to us. While this happened, his dad had slipped into a little swamp, lost his shoes, and got extremely muddy. *Insert crying laughing emoji here* The picture below just doesn't do that moment any justice!
Finally, we made it back. I would like to take this moment to reemphasize how much better this hike would have been had I been wearing waterproof boots or shoes. A quarter of the hike back was with a wet foot because I took one wrong step into the creek we were crossing! Below is us back at the "trailhead". The lot was full when we were back!
Squad at Phantom Falls.
Post-hike thoughts:
I was extremely nervous about facing the unknowns of this hike. Looking back, this was probably one of the most adventurous and fun hikes I've done and I'm so glad I did it! It was beautiful, insane, lightweight crazy at some points but everything a hike should be and more. I recommend this hike for those looking for adventure, wanting to be brave, and those who love chasing waterfalls. If you decide to embark on this journey, be prepared, keep an open mind, and embrace the words "getting lost". Sometimes it's the journey not the destination that makes things great.
Comments