Faery Falls and Ney Springs - Hiking

Review

Intro

Faery Falls and Ney Springs are a must-see in Mt. Shasta, California. This 1.5 mile hike offers a glimpse into the city’s early history and the chance to sit at the base of a beautiful waterfall. A once world-renowned health resort in the 19th century, Ney Springs featured facilities for up to fifty guests, several outbuildings, and a wooden bridge system providing creek access. The resort has since been overtaken by nature and all that remains are moss-covered walls with a spigot that still runs and an old cistern that still gurgles with silica-rich spring water.

What Makes It Great

After parking in a large clearing on the left, you will take the road farthest on the right and make your way up Ney Springs Canyon. Originally a wagon trail, the path is wide and level. If you prefer a shorter hike, you can drive your vehicle up the initial 0.4 miles of the trail.

About 0.5 miles into the trail, you will see a rusted piece of machinery on the right. Just past this is the moss-covered stone retaining wall of the Ney Springs ruins. It features a spigot that still runs during the wet season. On the other side of the main trail, a narrow path drops down to the creek. Here you will find a platform featuring another retaining wall and a cistern that still bubbles and smells of Sulphur.

Back on the main trail, the path gains elevation as you climb higher into the canyon. After 0.6 miles, a second narrow trail on the left provides easy creek access.  This is a great spot to cool off and take photos. Once you’re back on the main trail, you will walk about ten minutes until you reach a third narrow trail on your left towards the creek. The 50-foot cascades of Faery Falls are just a few steps away.

Who is Going to Love It

Hikers of all levels can complete this trail. The path is wide and well-traveled. The elevation gains are gradual until you get closer to the falls where the trail inclines quite a bit. Hiking poles add additional support. The paths to the creek and Faery Falls are narrow, rocky, and sometimes slick so those who have trouble with footing should be extra cautious.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Redding, follow I-5 N towards Mt. Shasta. Take exit 738 and turn left at the stop sign onto W Lake St (signs for Lake Siskiyou). Turn left onto S Old Stage Rd. Veer right onto W Barr Rd. Continue south, passing the dam. Shortly after the dam, make a left onto Castle Lake Rd. Make a left onto Ney Springs Rd. Continue on past the Ney Springs/Cantara Wildlife Area. The road turns west. After about 0.5 miles, you will reach a large clearing on the left where you can park your vehicle.

There are no fees to access this trail.

Dogs are allowed on a leash.