About Loretta Falls
Loretta Falls is a named waterfall in Del Norte County, California, located about 16 miles northwest of Happy Camp. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Polar Bear Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 41°59′36″ N, 123°32′09″ W (41.99329, -123.53586). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Siskiyou Springs (spring, 0.6 mi), Frog Gulch (valley, 0.8 mi), and Quail Gulch (valley, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wilderness Falls, 15 miles to the south.
Weather at Loretta 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 Loretta 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 Loretta 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
Loretta Falls holds a 2.5 average from 2 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Loretta Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Siskiyou Springs — spring, 0.6 mi
- Frog Gulch — valley, 0.8 mi
- Quail Gulch — valley, 0.9 mi
- Little Grayback — summit, 1.1 mi
- Pigeon Gulch — valley, 1.1 mi
- Frog Pond — lake, 1.2 mi
- Silver Gulch — valley, 1.6 mi
- Louse Creek — stream, 1.6 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 41.99329, -123.53586. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Loretta Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Loretta Falls located?
Loretta Falls is in Del Norte County, California, about 16 miles northwest of Happy Camp. Its coordinates are 41.99329, -123.53586 (41°59′36″ N, 123°32′09″ W).
What town is closest to Loretta 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 Loretta Falls?
The closest is Wilderness Falls (15 mi south). Others within reach include Little Illinois River Falls (19 mi), Horsetail Falls (21 mi), and Ponytail Falls (21 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Loretta Falls?
Loretta Falls appears on the USGS Polar Bear Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.