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Donner Creek Trail - Mt. Diablo State Park


Highlights:

beautiful hike along creek, multiple cascades, mountain views
Near:Clayton, CA
Scenery:
Distance:5.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1150 ft
Hike Time:3 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Donner Creek Falls consists of a series of four separate cascades falling off the peaks of Diablo. During the winter months and after a good rain, the waterfalls are rather impressive.

From the parking area, walk along Donner Canyon Rd to Hetherington Loop (1.0 mi). After about 1.8 miles, turn left at the Cardinet Oaks Rd., and follow this road across Donner Creek and up a steep section to a junction with the Falls Trail on the right. This trail leads down to the falls on Donner Creek and continues on to the Middle Trail, which then loops back down to the Donner
Canyon Rd.

For more info, see my website.

Trailhead: From I-680 in Walnut Creek (heading south), take the Treat Blvd. exit. Drive east for 1.0 miles to Bancroft Rd. Turn right and drive 1.2 miles to Ygnacio Rd. Turn left and drive 5.4 miles to Clayton Rd. Turn right and drive 2.9 miles to Regency Drive (Clayton turns into Marsh Creek Rd., but don't turn at the sign for Marsh Creek Rd.). Turn right on Regency Drive, and drive 0.6 miles
to the end of the road.
If heading north on I-680 in Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Rd exit, and drive east for 7.5 miles to Clayton Rd. (Lat:37.92239 Lon:-121.92689)

Trail Guides for Donner Creek Trail - Mt. Diablo State Park:
California Waterfalls
by Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Outdoors)

Best Seasons: Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Mt. Diablo State Park, (925) 837-2525
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Leon Turnbull, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Dave on 12/29/2006
Beautiful hike, great scenery, moderate ascents, great distance. Not much water today, but its early in winter. I'm coming back in 2 months and do it again!

Reviewed by HC on 10/2/2006
Good Hike. Lots to see, but Beware, the Falls Trail is a goat path. Narrow, crumbling, and a long way down if you fall. In Rainy weather, use extreme caution...no waterfall is worth your life. Better to use Middle trail to access the waterfalls, and leave the Falls Trail for dry weather.

Reviewed by KB on 8/1/2005
Very pretty in Spring or Winter. I hike this trail every year. You will cross a creek where getting your feet wet may be an issue. In addition to having a view of some waterfalls, on a clear day you will also have a great view of the valleys.


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, Contra Costa County Hiking, Contra Costa County Trails, Contra Costa County Hikes

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