Hiking Mill Creek Falls Trail

Warning! Recent Mountain Lion Sighting in Area

A mountain lion was recently seen on the trail. Please stay aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when visiting. Review mountain lion safety information.

 

Mill Creek Falls plummets 75 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the park.

NPS photo

Start: Trail begins behind the amphitheater adjacent to the southwest parking area.
Round Trip Distance: 3.8 miles
Round Trip Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Elevation Start: 6700'
Difficulty Level: Moderately strenous
Elevation Gain/Loss: 925 feet (285 meters) one-way. 1850 feet (564 meters) round-trip.
Terrain: A series of dips and rises wind in and out of gullies as the trail follows the countours of East Sulphur Creek. Rocky and narrow in locations with creek crossings.
Other Considerations: Moderately sun exposed. Avoid hiking in the peak heat of the day. Bring drinking water. Wear hiking boots with deep tread, trekking poles will aid in steeper/rocky terrain. This trail goes through burn hazards from the 2021 Dixie Fire. Use caution.

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Mill Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in the park with a drop of 75 feet. It is at the junction of East Sulphur and Bumpass creeks. Many view points are obstructed from surrounding hillsides and forested areas. Most of the forest burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire, opening the viewshed.

The trail descends to the crossing of West Sulphur Creek, crosses an open hillside (see photo in gallery) and follows through forested areas to the falls. Deer are likely to be seen as well as a variety of birds. Mule ears are the common wildflower that covers the open hillside and usually is in full bloom by July. Many other wildflowers, including the blue and white stickseed, can be seen. There are good views of Brokeoff Mountain and Mt. Diller.

The trail continues beyond the crossing of East Sulphur and Bumpass Creeks, past Crumbaugh Lake, and on to the Kings Creek Picnic Area (a steep 750 ft climb, see Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes trail).