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Bassi Falls - El Dorado Natl Forest


Highlights:

easy, short hike to incredible waterfall
Near:Placerville, CA
Scenery:
Distance:1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:260 ft
Hike Time:1 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: It is an easy 10 minute walk from the parking area to the falls. But the trail is not all that clear. At first the trail is easy to follow, but soon reaches an open area, where you have to make your way over granite rock, and the trail becomes indistinct. But it is not hard to find the falls because you can clearly hear it, and eventually you will see it from a distance away. When we were here on a Sunday afternoon in early May, there were surprisingly quite a few cars parked at the trailhead.

When you reach the base of Bassi Falls, you will be treated to an awesome view of the entire 120 ft. cascade. Later in the summer, there is really not much to see, as Bassi Creek becomes a mere fragment of its former self.

For more info, see my website.

Note: this hike is only in the newest edition of "California Waterfalls" (A. Brown) below.

Trailhead: From Hwy #50 about 20 miles east of Placerville, turn left (north) onto Ice House Rd (Forest Road 3). Drive 16.6 miles on Ice House Rd. to Union Valley Reservoir. Turn right onto an unmarked dirt road (Road 12N32A), just after crossing the bridge over Big Silver Creek (opposite Big Silver group camp). Drive 0.2 miles to a junction and turn left. Then drive 0.8 miles to
another junction and turn right. Drive another 0.7 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road (total 1.7 miles along the dirt road). (Lat:38.89213 Lon:-120.33102)

Trail Guides for Bassi Falls - El Dorado Natl Forest:
California Waterfalls
by Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Outdoors)

Best Seasons: Spring,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: El Dorado Natl Forest, (916) 644-2324
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Leon Turnbull, who has posted  17 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Nabil on 8/12/2007
This hike was a disaster. The trail is only marked half the way. The rest of the way (about a mile) is over a huge granite floor that carry no marks. My wife, my two kids (4 months and 3 years) and I got lost on our way back. We had to call 911 to air-evac us back to safety. What an experience! The fall was just trickling! It did not worth the effort. Please pay attention to your path over the granite and keep land marks otherwise you'll be destined to spend the night with the bears and wolves. Amazingly, there was a great reception for cingular. Keep that in mind. This fall can only be visited in the spring!

Reviewed by Nina on 5/28/2007
It was a beautiful hike!!! Kind of a rough drive up. The directions above are confusing don't turn on to Union Valley Reservoir keep going up to the dirt road turn out on Ice House.

Reviewed by Viewer on 5/29/2006
very nice area. Restoration work to repair damage by 4x4 vehicles has made a remendous improvement in the scenery.

Reviewed by DEN on 5/28/2006
Very nice hike. Waterfall was awesome. Good for families, but lots of people.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, El Dorado County Hiking, El Dorado County Trails, El Dorado County Hikes

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