Lower Falls is actually less steep because of the high water level. The nearby hills and rock formations were formed by Mt. Shasta's early eruptions, as were the river bed and waterfall structures. These magnificent pieces of nature add to the splendor, enjoyment, and wonder that the observer sees. The falls are surrounded by several species of cone bearing trees, like Douglas fir, Ponderosa, Sugar pines, and Incense cedar. McCloud Falls area has a Mediterranean climate.
Autumn brings Indian summer weather, winter is snowbound, and the summers can be very hot and dry.
Return to the top of the page . Around the late 1700s the Wintu Indians populated the area around the falls. They didn't rely on the falls themselves, but the pools below provided a means of sustenance. The pools supplied the Wintu with fish, a main staple in their diet, and they would trap or spear salmon and Steelhead. This new-found popularity intrigued many wealthy buyers including the well known publisher, William Randolph Hearst.