The hike to Fairy Falls in Northern California takes place near Spenceville and will lead you through a plethora of beautiful landscapes before ending at a lovely swimming hole. If you’re looking for a unique adventure this summer, this is it. Not only is this swimming spot the perfect respite from the heat, but the sight of a cascading waterfall nearby is sure to thrill you. You won’t be able to resist exploring this unique area. Check it out:
The Fairy Falls Trail is approximately five miles round trip and begins in the Spenceville Wildlife and Recreation Area, off of Spenceville Road. You’ll cross a beautiful old concrete bridge and turn right onto the trail.
Jim Hardwick/Alltrails
As you continue down the trail, you’ll wind your way through lush green pastures complete with the sight of cattle grazing. It’s truly a picture perfect scene that seems almost too good to be true.
Nicole Sharkey/Alltrails
What’s fascinating about this trail is that parts of it are composed of this unique purple-colored dirt road. It’s a stunning sight amid what seems to be endless meandering meadows.
Brandi Green/Alltrails
This trail may be relatively short, but you’ll find yourself in the middle of a variety of landscapes. As you get further and further along, you’ll be led through a charming little wooded area.
Chris Csonka/Alltrails
At last, you’ll come upon the thing you’ve been waiting for: Fairy Falls (sometimes called Shingle Falls). The 100-foot tall waterfall is absolutely breathtaking in person. It’s the perfect reward after the 2.5 mile hike.
Brianna Shima/Alltrails
You’ll find that there are several trails that will take you to various points of the waterfall. The one on the very left will take you to the top of the falls where you’ll arrive at this stunning overlook. This area also has river access where you can come across other great little swimming spots.
Porter Pedraza/Alltrails
There are plenty of spots along the bottom of the falls to sit and dip your toes in the water. On a particularly hot day, you won’t be able to resist taking a quick soak in this refreshing swimming hole.
Crick Giltner/Alltrails Fairy Fall in Northern California is an amazing trek all-around – not just in the summer! So be sure to keep it in mind for your next adventure in the Golden State.
Have you visited Fairy Falls in Northern California? This place looks absolutely perfect. Northern California is home to plenty of stunning natural swimming holes. For example, have you heard of this spectacular underground swimming hole? This place is as jaw-dropping as it sounds!
Jim Hardwick/Alltrails
Nicole Sharkey/Alltrails
Brandi Green/Alltrails
Chris Csonka/Alltrails
Brianna Shima/Alltrails
Porter Pedraza/Alltrails
Crick Giltner/Alltrails
Fairy Fall in Northern California is an amazing trek all-around – not just in the summer! So be sure to keep it in mind for your next adventure in the Golden State.
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Address: Faery Falls, California 96067, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fairy Falls in Northern California July 30, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other beautiful waterfalls in NorCal that I can swim in? While Fairy Falls is one of the most enchanting swimming holes in NorCal, it is by no means the only waterfall swimming hole in Northern California. Looking for a hidden gem? Carlon Falls is a dreamy little waterfall located within Yosemite National Park. However, the trailhead is located outside of the park at the Carlon Day Use area in the Stanislaus National Forest. You’ll find the trailhead by turning onto Evergreen Road from Highway 120. There are three different parking areas to choose from, one of which leads to a nice little picnic area with restrooms. The trail itself is just 1.4-mile one way and mostly flat, making it perfect for kids and hikers of all skill levels. The reward is well-worth the short hike, too; Carlon Falls flows healthily all year long, and it’s an idyllic sight in the middle of the forest. On a hot summer day, a dip in the swimming hole is absolute heaven. The water is clean and refreshing. Just be sure to use caution since the rocks around the waterfall can get very slippery! What are some other swimming holes in Northern California? When the summer heat descends upon the Golden State, taking a soak in the great outdoors is something you’ll definitely want to experience. NorCal is home to dozens of great swimming holes, but few are as picturesque as Emerald Pools along the South Fork of the Yuba River. This dramatic stretch of the river is loaded with bright blue-green pools of water, many of which can be found in the nooks and crannies of the river’s granite outcroppings. Finding these precious swimming pools is an awesome summertime adventure. And although these pools will certainly make you feel a million miles away from it all, they are actually pretty easy to find, as the Emerald Pools are located right off a major road!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fairy Falls in Northern California
July 30, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other beautiful waterfalls in NorCal that I can swim in? While Fairy Falls is one of the most enchanting swimming holes in NorCal, it is by no means the only waterfall swimming hole in Northern California. Looking for a hidden gem? Carlon Falls is a dreamy little waterfall located within Yosemite National Park. However, the trailhead is located outside of the park at the Carlon Day Use area in the Stanislaus National Forest. You’ll find the trailhead by turning onto Evergreen Road from Highway 120. There are three different parking areas to choose from, one of which leads to a nice little picnic area with restrooms. The trail itself is just 1.4-mile one way and mostly flat, making it perfect for kids and hikers of all skill levels. The reward is well-worth the short hike, too; Carlon Falls flows healthily all year long, and it’s an idyllic sight in the middle of the forest. On a hot summer day, a dip in the swimming hole is absolute heaven. The water is clean and refreshing. Just be sure to use caution since the rocks around the waterfall can get very slippery! What are some other swimming holes in Northern California? When the summer heat descends upon the Golden State, taking a soak in the great outdoors is something you’ll definitely want to experience. NorCal is home to dozens of great swimming holes, but few are as picturesque as Emerald Pools along the South Fork of the Yuba River. This dramatic stretch of the river is loaded with bright blue-green pools of water, many of which can be found in the nooks and crannies of the river’s granite outcroppings. Finding these precious swimming pools is an awesome summertime adventure. And although these pools will certainly make you feel a million miles away from it all, they are actually pretty easy to find, as the Emerald Pools are located right off a major road!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While Fairy Falls is one of the most enchanting swimming holes in NorCal, it is by no means the only waterfall swimming hole in Northern California. Looking for a hidden gem? Carlon Falls is a dreamy little waterfall located within Yosemite National Park. However, the trailhead is located outside of the park at the Carlon Day Use area in the Stanislaus National Forest. You’ll find the trailhead by turning onto Evergreen Road from Highway 120. There are three different parking areas to choose from, one of which leads to a nice little picnic area with restrooms. The trail itself is just 1.4-mile one way and mostly flat, making it perfect for kids and hikers of all skill levels. The reward is well-worth the short hike, too; Carlon Falls flows healthily all year long, and it’s an idyllic sight in the middle of the forest. On a hot summer day, a dip in the swimming hole is absolute heaven. The water is clean and refreshing. Just be sure to use caution since the rocks around the waterfall can get very slippery!
What are some other swimming holes in Northern California?
When the summer heat descends upon the Golden State, taking a soak in the great outdoors is something you’ll definitely want to experience. NorCal is home to dozens of great swimming holes, but few are as picturesque as Emerald Pools along the South Fork of the Yuba River. This dramatic stretch of the river is loaded with bright blue-green pools of water, many of which can be found in the nooks and crannies of the river’s granite outcroppings. Finding these precious swimming pools is an awesome summertime adventure. And although these pools will certainly make you feel a million miles away from it all, they are actually pretty easy to find, as the Emerald Pools are located right off a major road!
