Upper Gold Mountain Falls

RATING - 21.4

VR - 3.6 (Sm/M) HR - 1.5 SR - 16/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Bushwhack

DIFFICULTY - Medium

LOCATION - Old Mountain Loop Highway

TYPE - Tiered

HEIGHT - 25'

WIDTH - 10'

GPS - N48 13.467' W121 33.423'

ELEVATION - 1195'

DIRECTIONS - Follow the directions to Lower Gold Mountain Falls. This waterfall is located a short distance upstream. Climb up the steep hillside on the right side of the creek (probably getting glimpses of Gold Mountain Falls in the process) to the top of the ridge. Follow the creek upstream for about 500' to a view of the falls.

Although this is the smallest of the three waterfalls on this creek, it is my personal favorite. Upper Gold Mountain Falls is a gorgeous back-to-back drop totaling 25' in height. The bottom tier is a beautiful fan-shaped drop into a pretty pool lined with abundant ferns. The upper tier is tucked away in a narrow hollow just above. The climb up the hillside is steep and tiring, but once you get to the top of the ridge the rest of the walk to views of this falls is easy. Climbing down to the base is pretty steep so be careful if you attempt to get right to the bottom.