The McCloud River is a tributary of the Pit River and ultimately the Sacramento River, approximately 50 mi (80 km) long, in northern California in the United States. It drains a scenic mountainous area of the Cascade Range north of Redding. The river was originally known as the "McLeod River," after the Hudson's Bay Company hunter and trapper Alexander Roderick McLeod who explored it during the winter of 1829-1830. By the 1860's, the spelling "McCloud" was widely used, likely because that was the conventional American spelling of the Scottish name, and perhaps in part to honor California pioneer Ross McCloud.

It rises from several spring-fed streams in the Cascades approximately 10 mi (16 km) southeast of Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County It flows initially west, passing south of Mt. Shasta and receiving streams that drain the southern slope of the peak. From Mt. Shasta it flows generally southwest through Lake McCloud and through the Shasta National Forest. It joins Shasta Lake, formed by the Shasta Dam, on the Pit River arm, approximately 15 mi (24 km) north of Redding, with the lower 10 mi (16 km) of the river forming the middle arm of the Lake.

The river is a popular fly fishing destination and is considered to be an especially good rainbow trout stream, flowing from one cold water pool to another as it drains through the mountains. Regulated outflows from Lake McCloud on the upper maintain a constant cool temperature in the pools allowing for an optimal habitat for the fish. The river also supports a population of brown trout and is a breeding ground for brown trout that come up from Lake Shasta in the fall to spawn.

The river is also well-known for a series of waterfalls which tumble over basaltic lava flows, known collectively as the Falls of the McCloud River.

The McCloud is generally divided into two sections. The Upper McCloud is considered to be above McCloud Reservoir and the Lower McCloud stretches from the reservoir to Lake Shasta. The waterfalls mentioned above are all found on the Upper McCloud. The Upper McCloud is also a popular destination for kayakers. There is an improved campground called Fowlers on the Upper McCloud. The Upper McCloud is often stocked and bait is allowed. The Lower McCloud is generally a fly/artificial lure fishery and catch and release fishing is encouraged.

The last several miles of the McCloud are controlled by private fishing clubs, the McCloud River Club and Bolliboka. Anglers are not allowed to set foot above the high water mark on either property. The Nature Conservancy has a site on the Lower McCloud that allows ten rods per day and unlimited hikers or birders. Five tags a day may be reserved by calling The Nature Conservancy and five tags are available to the first anglers to arrive. All tags are open if unclaimed by 10:00.

There is a small campground called Ah Di Nah on the Lower McCloud. Bathrooms and water are available and there is a fee.

Hikers on the Lower McCloud should pay special attention to the large amounts of poison oak that often line the trails along and above the river.

The McCloud once hosted a native population of Dolly Varden or Bull trout, but the species became extinct in the McCloud watershed after McCloud Reservoir cut off the fish from their spawning grounds. The last reported Dolly was caught in the 80's.

Rivers of California