Mill Creek Falls, located in Mineral within Tehama County, is the tallest waterfall in Lassen Volcanic National Park—a 70-foot cascade that drops through a narrow valley with real dramatic force. The hike to reach it runs 3.2 miles round trip at a moderate difficulty level, which means most people with dogs in decent shape can handle it without too much trouble.

The trail itself winds through a red fir forest, so you get shade for most of the walk, which is nice on warmer days. You’ll notice the temperature drops as you get closer to the water, and the sound of the falls gets louder as you approach. Dogs are allowed on the trail, so you can bring yours along to experience the whole thing.

What makes this hike work well with a dog is that it’s not overly technical—no scrambling over rocks or tight switchbacks that would stress out a nervous hiker. The forest floor is relatively even, and the trail is well-maintained. Just bring plenty of water since there’s no shade guarantee the entire way, and the moderate elevation means you’ll be working a bit. Paws will be fine on the packed dirt path.

The falls themselves are most impressive in late spring and early summer when snowmelt from higher elevations fills Mill Creek. By late August or September, the water volume drops significantly, so timing your visit matters. If you’re planning to go, the park office can give you current conditions on water flow and any trail maintenance happening that season. The hike gives you a genuine sense of being deep in the Sierra Nevada wilderness while staying within the boundaries of a well-maintained national park, which is harder to find than you’d think.