I knew about this falls here for a long time. I have them in my list as a potential stop on the way for a few times already. But somehow it only felt right to visit them just lately.
Loves Falls is one of the easy access on a short hike. They are right on PCT, and it’s impossible to miss them.
There are few ways how to reach them: From the parking before the gates to the north of Hwy 49 section of PCT, from the pull out in 1.8 miles after Sierra City, or via the loop from Wild Plum.
We did the first option because I knew where the stop was and was lazy to research other options.
The hike is short (half a mile or less) and easy. The only problem I faced – is the way to the base of the falls was slippery and abrupt as for me holding the camera and tripod and a bag.
The falls are nice. The few big rocks near the base make great spots for the photos, and the pool is used for swimming in Summer.
The pedestrian bridge looks good with the falls, which I cannot say about the pipe on the left – I cropped it from all photos.
From here you can also check lower falls, and I read about another falls on the East (I wasn’t ready for the hike without trail that time)
How to get to the Loves Falls
Pull-off parking (for shortest hike): Google Maps link
Parking near PCT Google Maps link
Hike description on alltrails.com link
If you are driving from the Gold Lake Hwy back to the Hwy 49, make sure to stop in the pull out few miles after the intersection. There is a nice small artificial waterfall, Big Springs Falls.
Parking for Big Springs Falls: Google Maps link