About Bluff Falls
Bluff Falls is a named waterfall in Tehama County, California, located about 17 miles northwest of Chester. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Lassen Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°24′49″ N, 121°31′59″ W (40.41349, -121.53303). Historical sources also record the name Capitola River. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Huckleberry Lake (lake, 0.9 mi), East Sulphur Creek (stream, 1.1 mi), and West Sulphur Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Mill Creek Falls, 2.1 miles to the northeast.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 34,T30N,T4E. Mount Diablo Meridian
More Photos
5 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Bluff 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 Bluff 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 Bluff 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
Bluff Falls holds a 4.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Bluff Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Huckleberry Lake — lake, 0.9 mi
- East Sulphur Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- West Sulphur Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- McGowan Lake — lake, 1.8 mi
- Christie Hill — summit, 1.9 mi
- Growler Hot Spring — spring, 2.0 mi
- Mount Conard — summit, 2.0 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 40.41349, -121.53303. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Bluff Falls
- Clover Creek Falls, CA30 mi northwest
- Montgomery Creek Falls, CA36 mi northwest
- Lion Wash Falls, CA37 mi northwest
- Lion Slide Falls, CA37 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bluff Falls located?
Bluff Falls is in Tehama County, California, about 17 miles northwest of Chester. Its coordinates are 40.41349, -121.53303 (40°24′49″ N, 121°31′59″ W).
What town is closest to Bluff Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Chester, CA, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Bluff Falls?
The closest is Mill Creek Falls (2.1 mi northeast). Others within reach include Kings Creek Falls (5.8 mi), Deadhorse Falls (12 mi), and Deer Creek Falls (15 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Bluff Falls?
Bluff Falls appears on the USGS Lassen Peak 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.