About Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a named waterfall in Siskiyou County, California, located about 16 miles northeast of Happy Camp. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kangaroo Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 41°55′44″ N, 123°07′47″ W (41.92895, -123.12982). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Copper Butte (summit, 1.0 mi), Pitch Fork (stream, 1.2 mi), and Cook and Green Pass (gap, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ponytail Falls, 0.2 miles to the north.
USGS gazetteer description: On an unnamed stream, 1.6 km (1 mi) southwest of Copper Butte and 11.2 km (7 mi) northeast of the village of Seiad Valley. (US-T121)
Weather at Horsetail 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 Horsetail 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 Horsetail Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Horsetail Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Copper Butte — summit, 1.0 mi
- Pitch Fork — stream, 1.2 mi
- Cook and Green Pass — gap, 1.3 mi
- East Fork Seiad Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- West Fork Seiad Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Cook and Green Butte — summit, 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 41.92895, -123.12982. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Horsetail Falls
- Little Illinois River Falls, OR35 mi northwest
- Ti'lomikh Falls, OR36 mi north
- Dillon Falls, OR37 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horsetail Falls located?
Horsetail Falls is in Siskiyou County, California, about 16 miles northeast of Happy Camp. Its coordinates are 41.92895, -123.12982 (41°55′44″ N, 123°07′47″ W).
What town is closest to Horsetail Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Happy Camp, CA, about 16 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Horsetail Falls?
The closest is Ponytail Falls (0.2 mi north). Others within reach include Maple Falls (20 mi), Loretta Falls (21 mi), and Chocolate Falls (26 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Horsetail Falls?
Horsetail Falls appears on the USGS Kangaroo Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.