Corlieu Falls

Madera County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Madera County, California
Access status: National forest trail from a highway turnout
The walk: Under 1 mile return
Ground & access: Steps and steep switchbacks. The climb back to the highway is steeper than the way down. No bikes or horses.

Hikespeak: Corlieu Falls via Lewis Creek Trail

Start from the paved turnout on the east side of Highway 41, 7.3 miles north of Oakhurst. Take the wide trail at the north end of the turnout and pass the gate. At the signed T-junction after a tenth of mile, turn right on Lewis Creek Trail downstream. Steps and switchbacks lead to the brink of the falls at a quarter mile. Continue down the steep steps, bear left at the split, and reach the wooden viewing platform near the base. Return the same way, uphill.

Plan your visit

Highway 41 turnout 7.3 miles north of Oakhurst, Lewis Creek Trail downstream to Corlieu Falls

Hikespeak puts the brink of the falls at a quarter mile and the viewing platform about 0.05 mile further. The return figure is derived from those distances.

Steps and steep switchbacks. The climb back to the highway is steeper than the way down. No bikes or horses.

Where to start

Paved turnout on the east side of Highway 41, 7.3 miles north of Oakhurst; overflow at a turnout by the 4,000-foot elevation sign.

Timing & water

Best in spring. Current trail conditions unverified.

Before you go

Hikespeak says no permit is required and parking along Highway 41 is free.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Madera County, California.

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