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Hike to Phantom Falls

Oroville, California

4.6/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

4.2 miles

Elevation Gain

850 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Xavier Salgado

Phantom falls aka Coal Canyon falls is a small hidden spot of startling beauty located on North Table Mountain in Oroville, California.

Dropping off a 135 ft cliff is a very well hidden waterfall with no trails leading to it. But if you do find it, it is an epic natural wonder.It is best to come here in the winter months, after a lot of rain. But it is also well worth coming in the spring when the wildflowers on Table Mountain are flourishing.

When you arrive at the trailhead, you will see that there is indeed no trail at all. You need to traverse cross country in a north-west direction to reach Phantom Falls. A GPS or compass is highly recommended for this hike. If you do not have one, it will be very difficult to find your way cross-country without any landmarks. Essentially, you want to follow an old fence line on the right until you reach the top of Ravine and Ravine Twin Falls, cross those creeks, around the end of another old fence, follow that fence line for awhile, until you finally cut over to the Phantom Falls viewpoint. You won't be able to see the waterfall from a distance as there are a lot of rolling hills throughout the entire hike.

There are plenty of other waterfalls on North and South Table Mountain as well. You will pass three of them en route to Phantom Falls. All of these waterfalls on Table Mountain have very small drainage, so they will be flowing well only after quite a lot of rain. If you want to see any waterfalls during the summer months, unfortunately you may be disappointed.

Expect to see a lot of grazing cattle, they are generally safe but you'll definitely want to give the occasional bull some space.

Note: Parts of this hike may be on private property. Please do hike on private property without permission from the owner. 

Directions: From Oroville on Hwy 70, take exit 48 (Grand Ave.). Follow Grand Ave. east for 1.0 miles to Table Mountain Blvd. Turn left for 0.2 miles, then right on Cherokee Rd. Drive 6.3 miles on Cherokee Rd. to the unmarked parking area on the left (you'll see a green cattle gate).  

Coordinates:

  • Parking Lot: 39.595923, -121.541736
  • Phantom Falls: 39.61041, -121.56063
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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Groups
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike to Phantom Falls Reviews

Would recommend coming in the spring time after the first few showers, the flowers cover the hills and it’s beautiful!

I should have went on March or April.The waterfalls was almost drained.

Way crowded on weekends. Pretty.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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