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Reporter |
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 17 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review Loved it. Good workout not too intense or easy. Waterfall to cool off. You can also make a day of hiking around the whole loop. Wear your sunscreen. Great hike. Some water in the falls, but I have nothing to compare with for fullness. Rained Friday so thought good time to go. Lots and lots of wild flowers. Just beautiful and peaceful. I would definitely go again. Been this hike many times, first couple times I can see the fall but recently lack of rain makes it to dry out. Good exercise and preparation for other more difficult hike, nice scenery, solitude and overcome fear of height. I'm guessing that this hike would be very nice in winter. Unfortunately, I hiked it in May and it was about 100 degrees - and I turned around before I even made it to the waterfall. 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! 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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||