Phantom Falls - Oroville, California

Hai Yen Do

Be aware to use Cherokee Road and not follow the map apps.

Hike was somewhat underwhelming but still beautiful at the end. It was very hot and you walk on flat rocky trails. I wouldn't go on a hot day as there is barely any shade in the first 1.5 miles. you will see a small waterfall that seems to be nicer than the phantom fall itself. overall i think it would be a nice spring season hike but definitely nothing i'd do at 70+ degrees.

Zindee Hegseth

All i say is very refreshing once you get to the falls. I went to Phantom Falls with my girlfriends and arrived at around 9AM of April 26,2024. Before i joined their hiking invitation i search the place of how it look like and omg it really is amusing view and the experience is so memorable. Better bring jacket or coat because wind blows and it makes you cold ?.
Wear hiking shoes especially non-slippery shoes. Visit it before summer because the blooming flowers and water falls will vanish.

Cynthia

Beautiful place! Went in late January.
Tips:
- Make sure to bring water and proper sun protection.
- Bring good shoes for hiking. The floor has lots of rocks you'll be stepping on.
- Keep your hands free (or bring a walking pole) for parts of the hike that require more balance. Some parts are steep and others require walking across streams / stepping on wet rocks!

Kenneth McRae

This time of the year after all the rain we've gotten makes for a great experience at phantom falls. The fields were blooming with flowers. I'm going to come back in late April to see how much bloom has taken place. Please be respectful of the blooms and wear proper shoes because there are a bunch of rocks (your feet will thank you) ?

AboodAbAj

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Phantom Falls in Oroville, California and it was an absolutely incredible experience. This hidden gem is located just 3 hours away from the Bay Area and is definitely worth the drive.

The hike to Phantom Falls is an easy to moderate 4-mile round trip hike that offers unique and breathtaking views. Along the way, we saw three beautiful waterfalls and the scenery was simply stunning. The hike itself was enjoyable and not too difficult, but it's worth noting that during the winter months, the trail can be quite muddy. So be sure to wear good hiking shoes that are waterproof.

One of the things that I loved about Phantom Falls is that it's not overly crowded, which allowed us to fully appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of the area. The falls themselves were stunning and we were able to get up close and personal with them, which was a truly unforgettable experience.

Overall, I would highly recommend visiting Phantom Falls to anyone looking for a unique and memorable hiking experience. The scenery is breathtaking, the hike is enjoyable, and the waterfalls are truly spectacular. Just make sure you wear good shoes and be prepared for a little mud in the winter months!

Ram Dongre

This review is for Phantom falls trail. This is a moderate, mostly non-shaded, rocky, 4 miles out-and-back trail, with beautiful wildflowers along the way. It is quite popular with hikers and the parking lot gets full easily and be ready to park on side of the road and walk towards the trailhead. Do remember to buy the CDFW land pass either at home or using a scannable bar code(which allows you to buy one) right before the trail entrance. You have access to park restrooms plus a dozen portable restrooms inside the parking lot.

The first section of trail is extremely rocky and eventually becomes bit flat, be very careful with those rocky surfaces, especially with the kids. As other have mentioned, right at mid of trail where you find bunch of trees, the trail splits into two possible routes. the left section takes you down towards the very rocky and steep area, Ravine falls in between, with a dead cow on the way (it is literally unbearable) and eventually to the Phantom falls. The right trail area is quite easy, not much rocky and avoids the dead-cow issue; I suggest you to take this section of the trail, both ways. You will find many streams on the way. Seeing lot of hikers along the way makes the journey bit easier and overall we liked it and even our little kids did it without an issue.

The water that feeds the Phantom falls is a tiny stream and the water almost never touches the ground due to the wind. The terrain is quite beautiful and you will see many variety of wildflowers along the way. For those who want to get to the bottom of the Phantom falls could do it by going around the right side of the falls and start descending on the left side using a rope that seems to have been tied to a tree.

Crystal

Nice little retreat. Went on a Saturday and Earthday, the most busiest I’ve seen it.

Plenty of parking. If there isn’t parking in the lot, makeshift one off the road. Porta potties.

Trail has a lot of rocks, slight inclines, plenty of shade & a walking stick isn’t necessary (unless that’s how you hike). Plenty of pollen for allergies ?. From the parking lot to Phantom Falls, it’s about a 2 mile walk/hike one way. Also a great spot for photography.

4/22/23
There was a hiker who sprained her ankle and it was nice to see the rescue team help.
There is a decomposing cow on route so be aware.

Sahil Gandhi

It feels like you’ve been transported to some mix of Ireland and New Zealand at the same time. The “hike” over is over rolling green hills while the actual fall itself seems like it’s from a tropical environment. It can be muddy, so be aware, and make sure you get a view of this place before it dries up again for the rest of the year!