Canyon Creek Falls near Georgetown, CA

Hike along forest roads, going gently downhill to find this 83 foot waterfall!  The kids can do this if they can walk 5 miles round trip. 

     I read about this waterfall on a blog last year but when I searched for more information, even the World Waterfall Data Base didn't show it. My book of California waterfalls didn't list it either.  I have tried before and this hike was another attempt. I headed out without specific information other than where to begin the hike, the name of the creek, and that you follow old logging and forestry roads; no other helpful directions. 

     My victorious hike surprised me a little with snow left on the ground from fairly recent stormy weather, but I had my jacket and gloves, gaiters, waterproof boots, and enthusiasm.  Plus gas is expensive and I wasn't about to turn back now!

    
     Holy Surprises!  I found three mounds of fresh bear scat in a short distance so I talked loudly to the bears while hiking down the muddy and snowy road. The sounds of snapping branches behind my camera-bug pauses kept me alert.

     My day was chilly enough to wear my jacket and gloves, but the sky was blue with floating clouds and the tree tops didn't even hint at the snow carpeting the forest floor!

    
     Down the road, as my elevation declined, the snowy floor dried and the trees thinned.

    
     I heard the rushing sounds and at last I made it to Canyon Creek, giddy with hope that I had time to scout out the creek from here and find the falls.  I had no idea how far or which direction they may be so I headed east, upstream.  It's a beautiful season, but the leaves were thickly blanketing the "trail" and being so wet, were a bit slippery.  The creek was a symphony for me, and I hoped it was a waterfall creating the commotion.

SUCCESS! As you can see from the photo, serendipity and intuition led me there!

     I saw the top first, and with water levels being what they are right now, crossing back and forth trying to find a perfect place to photograph the falls was nothing like the challenge I had expected!  My foot sank a little deep and the boot can only do so much to keep me dry!  There is an active mining claim here and the trail was decent, although buried in wet leaves.

     This is looking back downstream from the waterfall.  There is snow still in this heavily shaded area, and the temperature reflected it.



 The woods are colorful now rather than all green.

     I stopped here for photos and heard breaking branches in the gully behind me so I gave the bears a yell, looked around, took another snapshot, and returned to the car.  I was elated to have found this prize waterfall hike and am happy to share it with you!



Forks in the road are marked with waypoints and arrows or notes.

GPS tracks

Directions: 

Clock your mileage from the intersection in Georgetown where you turn onto Wentworth Springs Road (like any old town "Main Street") and go 10.5 miles.  Turn right at the sign for the Bald Mountain Staging Area, but pull in on the right at the first dirt road and find an out of the way place to park.  You will hike down that road.  It is gated and crosses private lumber property for a mile or so.  There are not "No Trespassing" signs, and it is marked with a small company sign. 

I hiked further but the trail above is 4.9 miles out and back, after I took out my other detours. 

Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation and to the creek side trail being almost a bushwhacking. Plus you cross the creek at least once to see the falls, really twice for a nice view.



This is a summary of my hike.  I certainly took my time, stopped to eat and photograph.
This area has OHV areas closed for the winter, but available post snowy season.  There is ample parking for horse trailers too and equestrain traffic is welcome.



I caution you to use your discretion about hiking in across private property.  And above all, please be responsible. 

There are no restrictions about hiking on a mining claim, but don't pan for gold! 

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Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY TRAILS!

Old Rubicon Trail Part A near Georgetown area

*  You can click on a photo and scroll through all of the photos enlarged for viewing in better detail.

The most memorable thing about this hike for me, aside from the heat, was the swarm of ladybugs near the turn around point of our hike.  We stood near a cliff to take photos of a chute where the river fought its way through.  The swarm was so thick we could see wee ladybugs over the river in our photos!  I was being bitten all over and had to leave the area.  When we got home I did some research and found out that this variety was imported for farming as a natural pesticide.  It is characteristic of them to try to get the salt off of you, and some sources claim that they don't bite...I beg to differ!  And it hurt!  And left those annoying red bumps just like mosquitoes.  Is there ladybug repellant???

Miles:  We hiked 1.9 miles each way but you can go all the way up to Hell Hole Reservoir or downriver as well.  Another option is to cross the river and go upriver on the other side.  Hunter Trail is reported to be a 10 mile hike.

Difficulty:   Easy to moderate.
Elevation:   3509-3777 
Driving Directions:  Take Wentworth Springs Road 15 miles from Georgetown and turn west on Eleven Pines Road.The road turns north.  In 5 miles we parked at the small camping area on the right at the Rubicon River Bridge.  The trail parallels the river, starting at the backside of the informal camping area.

Most of my experiences hiking in the Georgetown area have provided cooler temperatures than in the Sacramento Valley.  The day we explored this hike, it seemed like all we did was sweat and swat mosquitoes and ladybugs.  You read that right!
From the car we hiked through the little informal campground and caught the trail upriver.  It meanders up and down and through the trees, and with glimpses of the river but we were up the canyon wall and nowhere near water we could touch.  Just before we expected to cross a creek to continue toward Hell Hole Reservoir the trail disappeared. We were ready to head back anyway.  If you live close enough, this hike has potential for being fun with good weather, bug spray, lots of water and sunscreen.  Wikiloc has numerous trails loaded for your GPS in this area with many options for side trips or longer hikes.

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University Falls, Quintette, CA

The not so  "fine print" posted AUGUST 14, 2014:  I am editing this post due to controversy regarding use of this area..  

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO VISIT THIS PLACE: VISIT THIS LINK: All Trails, because there is current, important information. 

 Leave No Trace!

 Check out this Nature's Unbelievable Wonderland Water Slide Park!

RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY, OBSERVE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES, AND TAKE 

RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.

The photo above is from above the falls in February, 2013.  Since the snow and water level, along with the hour of the day, made photos from below looking up achievable, it was the only decent view I could get.

Part of this trail crosses private property you must gain permission to cross.  At this time the area is closed by forestry research and access is discouraged, if not denied.  
There are some great YouTube videos of these falls and the fun people have there.

As you hike down, you'll see this truck remnant and know you are on the right path.  A good part of the hike is shady enough to help keep your cool.

 As you descend the unbelievably slippery granite to get to the bottom pool, the rope is there to hang on to for added security.

 There is a wooded area after you've crossed the creek that runs above the falls.  Handy "changing room".

 Each slide brings you to land in a pool below it that you swim across to the next natural slide.  CAUTION!  These rocks are genuinely dangerous due to the slippery surface.  People have been seriously injured or killed not taking the hazards here seriously.  It is a very difficult place to get rescued from in the event of injury, so have fun but use good sense!  Avoid the 4th slide.  More accidents happen there and it is harder to get up the hill safely too.

We have arrived to find topless sunbathers so be aware of the possibility!

 I loved this pool for its depth and yet short distance across!  The water is so cold sometimes, and the first time in, I belted out my very first horror-movie-worthy, blood-curdling scream!  It hurt so good! 

Oh ya...for real.

 Our first time here we chose the bottom pool to hang out, sun ourselves, and yes, take a little swim!

 We went with a group on this trip and joined some adventurous kids, soaking and sliding all day.  Lots of types of people were there with families, and kids from around 12 and up taking the slides, even leaping off into the pool below them.

 On a hot day the rocks are the perfect balance to the cold water.

You can hang out in shallow areas and go down a very short slide if you are less than Braveheart!
This is a memorable, fantastic hike with an unusual payoff.  Whenever snow runoff is high the falls will reflect it.  Your tolerance for cold will reach all new lows, and I can't imagine anyone not just LOVING it.

If you get the chance to visit some natural water slides, go for it.  We obviously
 have had some memorable exciting times at these falls.  

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Again, University Falls is a natural wonderland, and the photos reflect how much fun the wilderness has to offer.  There are notes on the internet circulating that the community and the private property owners have had enough abuse of this amazing place. Someone named Ron York contacted me through Google+, whose credibility I could not verify, requesting the page be removed.  I am leaving the article posted for your enjoyment, however I am afraid the days of public fun here may be at an end.  Before trying to visit the falls, check with local authority, forest service, and relevant private property owners.  

Balderson, Dru Barner, & Little Silver Loop Hike

Mysterious Bald Mountain in a Snowstorm

This is up a little further but shows winter is settling in and my trip to Bald Mountain Nov, 12th, 2012  had sections of forest roads covered in snow.  I would recommend checking with the local Foresty Station for conditions.  Office information below the map.)

That wasn't fog, but snow that turned into a white out!  I can't wait to return!

     Park at the Balderson Equestrian Staging Area (before Balderson Road) off of Wentworth Springs Road, about 5+ miles out of Georgetown.  My GPS read 38.93142105,-120.75691709.

There is really only room for one vehicle with a horse trailer to park near two picnic tables in the shade.  I parked closer to the actual trailhead.  I started hiking at the sign for the Dru Barner Trail.

***During the snow season this area warns drivers to have snow tires or not enter the area.  Snow plows may not come by!

Below are photos and hiking notes made during the regular "hiking season".

This is the trail head I used in June of 2011.

Another view of the same trail head.



A short distance away you'll cross this ditch.  Note that I found no potable water
or porta potty so go prepared.

Continue hiking this way and you will see the sign below.

At this point I took the turn to the right. Having never explored these trails,
I opted to go with the GPS suggested trail.

Of course part of the fun was finding the wild blooms and photo moments!  There trail has a random mix of sun and shade making it a nice hike in sunny weather. You don't get to hike along a stream though so carry water.

Next you'll come to this junction and I went to the left, only because
the trail tracks I loaded from Wikiloc took that route.

Most of the views were very local woodsy trail views but here the trail broke into this wide open distant view and a bit of sunshine!

This was quite a find because the color red and the bug were not visible to my naked eye!  The flowers are small and I used a macro setting to photograph it.  What a nice bonus when I got it home and viewed it!

The trail meandered through the woods and areas of tall manzanita, easy on the feet and ankles.

This sign was on the right and the one below on the left!

At this junction I decided to stay on Little Silver Loop, which meant continuing straight ahead.

What a cooperative and colorful find!

This was a bit of trail returning to the car, AKA, "the Holy Grail".

This old cattle loading corral is weathered and reminiscent of the good ole' days.  It sits right near the picnic tables and the trail head.  Overall I hiked 6.11 miles and my total elevation climb totaled just over 1000 feet, so then about as much down as well.  But it was all gradual, easy slopes up and downward.  Parking was free.  Lots of options as you can see, so it could be shorter or longer as you decide!



GPS tracks for this hike.

Georgetown Ranger District Patricia Trimble, District Ranger
7600 Wentworth Springs Road
Georgetown, CA 95634
530-333-4312
TTY 530-333-5511
Summer Schedule: Open 7 days a week until November 17
Winter Schedule: Open Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

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Updated 11-2012

Traverse Falls, CA

This is a MUST DO HIKE near Georgetown, CA.  

Distance:  about 3 miles out and back.
Elevation:  1634-2246 feet
Difficulty:  Short hike, but I would rate it difficult due to the steep areas and the ropes and metal cable used for descending and climbing.  Gloves on a hot day help your grip on the cable.
Driving Directions:  Take Traverse Creek Road east off of Highway 193, between Porter Ranch Road and Red Berry Hill Lane, southeast of Georgetown.  Follow Traverse Creek Road staying to the left at Spanish Flat Road.  The creek will run along the east side of the road.  When you see the small creek bridge ahead of you, there's a small confluence of two creeks.  Park by the side of the road.  The trail will head south east of the road and seems to go away from the creek.  There is a photo of the map at the bottom of this article.
Advisories:  This hike is fun but is steep in a couple of places, again, requiring rope or cable for safety.  The ground is often dry hard packed dirt with little if anything to grip your feet onto.  The other note is if you are sensitive to poison oak, this is not the hike for you.  It is every bit as lush and beautiful as could be and pretty toxic for the allergic.  You don't have to creek cross if you are choosing to play at the bottom of the falls.  The pool is absolutely wonderful for swimming.  I cannot imagine taking children here.

The trail was utterly and completely deceiving at the beginning. We parked on the side of the road and the trail lead near the creek through a small field and then through some brush. We even felt idyllic walking through eye level yellow blossoms toward a woods, envisioning a wonderful waterfall with a cool deep inviting pool at its base.

 Quickly, the trail took on rocky, wet crossings and many undulations with steeper qualities. It was enjoyable going through the woods, fully surrounded by poison oak, glossy, full, thick and beautiful foliage! We found the changes pleasant, then arrived at the first anchored rope to assist a steep, slippery descent toward the creek, but it had been pulled far over to the side (out of the way?!?).

 At the bottom of that, another rope was anchored for a steeper section but it had some better footholds. I used the knotted rope to descend to the creek.

We followed alongside the creek, downstream, not really by way of a trail, but over rocks and boulders. It was pleasant and without challenge.

A couple of larger boulders and rocks presented minor work but at the top, we found ourselves looking over the falls, estimated to be a 40 foot drop!

 Next we were confronted with the cable descent, the only way to get to the base of the falls.  A butt slide if ever there was one!

Once we arrived at the pool safely we browsed around, took photos and began our exploration downstream.  More mossy rocks, some wildflowers, and challenges.

Finally we came to an impasse and were forced to discover a fairly safe creek crossing. A bent log was partway across with a few boulders so all we had to do was get there. The first two of us, one at a time, stepped, climbed, balanced and waded our way to the other side. Our third bushwhacker wasn't so game and height was a disadvantage

If you choose to go downstream, gators are handy as well as hiking poles.

We came across several fat banana slugs, thanks to the cool moist environment. 

  

We made our way across the rocks and boulders on our attempt for Bear Creek Falls. Runoff was high which hampered our progress significantly.We felt like pioneer trailblazers, set some rope in dangerous areas, and continued our trek. Surprisingly, as difficult as it was, we continued to pick up litter of old cans, rope pieces, and broken glass. Stopping points were sometimes mesmerizing because they felt so far removed from human imprints.

Wildflowers also got in our way, punishable by photographs being taken.

We eventually resigned ourselves to that and crossed back to return to the falls for food, rest, and reflections about a better way to achieve success in reaching Bear Creek Falls. Maybe more research, GPS research, and study some topo maps for alternate routes.

Me? I had the most fantastic wonderful time bonding with fellow bushwhackers! The falls and pool were a huge plus. I'm sure weekdays are best. By the amounts and types of trash, it appears to appeal to weekend partiers. Also, you might take ropes if you travel downstream. They were a great help to us on slippery slopes! Wear clothes suitable for creek crossings, boulder scrambling, gloves for rope and cable grip, and maybe use those preparations that supposedly help protect you from poison oak. One of us got it despite hat, gloves, long pants, long sleeves and boots!!! You'll enjoy a camera for the falls and creek are great for frame-able photos!

I would post you my GPS tracks but we wandered around so much they are cluttered with ups and downs and back and forths, impossible to edit! I left enough showing in the map so you have the general idea.  The falls are easy to find.

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Happy Trails!