About Mill Creek Falls
Mill Creek Falls is a named waterfall in Modoc County, California, located about 20 miles southeast of Alturas. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Soup Creek 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 41°16′44″ N, 120°17′09″ W (41.27878, -120.28578). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Mill Creek (lake, 0.2 mi), Clear Lake (lake, 0.5 mi), and Poison Creek (stream, 1.8 mi).
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 29,T40N,R15E, Mount Diablo Meridian
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Mill Creek Falls:
hiking
More Photos
12 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Mill Creek Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Mill Creek Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Mill Creek Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Mill Creek Falls holds a 4.8 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Mill Creek Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Mill Creek — lake, 0.2 mi
- Clear Lake — lake, 0.5 mi
- Poison Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Soup Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 41.27878, -120.28578. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mill Creek Falls located?
Mill Creek Falls is in Modoc County, California, about 20 miles southeast of Alturas. Its coordinates are 41.27878, -120.28578 (41°16′44″ N, 120°17′09″ W).
What town is closest to Mill Creek Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Alturas, CA, about 20 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
Which USGS topographic map shows Mill Creek Falls?
Mill Creek Falls appears on the USGS Soup Creek 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.