Loves Falls

Loves Falls actually has an upper, middle and lower drop on the North Yuba River.  The name is derived from the upper cascade where a large heart-shaped boulder splits the water in two during higher flows.  A massive bridge vaults the North Yuba River here.  The river has cut a small gorge through the rock.  It thunders from fall to fall, with a deep pool lying at the base of each fall.  

Access by auto:  The shortest walk to Loves Falls is from the intersection of Hwy 49 and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), 0.2 miles northeast of Sierra City.  From Hwy 49, walk 1/4 miles southeast on the PCT.  You'll see the falls on your right. The Loves Falls trail ends here but you can travel further on the PCT if you desire.  

If you are looking for a bit longer walk,  turn off Highway 49 onto Wild Plum Road at the sign for the Wild Plum Campgound.  Follow Wild Plum Road for 1 mile to the trailhead parking facility.  Walk the trail from the trailhead to where it crosses the road.  Take the road over the bridge and through the campground.  About 1/2 mile past the campground the trail takes off from the road to the left.  Follow it to a fork in the trail past the bridge over Haypress Creek.  Take the left fork staying on the PCT.  After 1/4 miles you'll come to another fork.  The right fork is the Loves Falls Trail section of the PCT.  The left fork completes the Wild Plum Loop Trail.   

At a Glance