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Indian Creek Falls


Highlights:

nice hike along beautiful North Fork American River, to 30 ft. cascade
Near:Colfax, CA
Scenery:
Distance:2.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:500 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: Indian Creek Falls is a small double fall cascading down a small creek along the beautiful North Fork American River. The total height of the cascade is 30 ft., and is best seen in the spring.

Getting to Indian Creek Falls in the spring, however, is very tricky. At the trailhead, you have to cross over fast rushing Shirttail Creek. You may or may not be able to find a safe place to wade across. If you wait until the summer months, then you'll be able to rock hop across, but by this time of year, Indian Creek will be at low flow. Try coming in late June or very early July.

Once across Shirttail Creek, the trail follows easily along the river. Including Shirttail, Indian Creek is the 5th creek you will come to along the trail. Once at Indian Creek, you have to scramble up the creek about 15 minutes to the falls. It is slippery and difficult in places.

For more info, see my website.

Trailhead: From I-80 (heading east) at Colfax, take the Colfax / Grass Valley exit. Take the first right onto Canyon Way, and drive 2.2 miles to Yankee Jim's Rd. Turn left and drive 4.7 miles to the bridge over the river. Park at the side of the road. The road turns to dirt but is okay for cars. (Lat:39.02493 Lon:-120.90132)
Trail Guides for Indian Creek Falls:
California Waterfalls
by Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Outdoors)

Best Seasons: Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Auburn State Recreation Area, (530) 885-4527
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 Bodie on 4/29/2008
30' my @ss! April, 2008. These falls didn't impress me at all. I mean, walk up any other canyon in this area and you'll find something similar or even better, without a 1.4 mile walk in. Only found 8 ticks on me; coulda been worse.

Reviewed by YS on 10/7/2007
We could not find the trail. But the river was really nice.

Reviewed by dj on 7/31/2007
I've been coming here over 20 years and hiked the trail last weekend (July 2007) I probably won't go back. All the good fishing holes and gold panning spots were crowded with people getting loud and drinking beer. It is no longer a good place to observe nature in peace and quiet, I would not recommend going if this is what you are looking for.

Reviewed by calyxx on 7/23/2007
I went on teh hike durking July. I would say it was a very beautiful hike along the river, but at this time of your don't expect to see any waterfalls, it was all dried up. Also, the trailhead isn't really marked so it was a little confusing finding the way initially. The river is very nice up here and i noticed several great swimming spots.

Reviewed by jp on 4/27/2007
Very beautiful and a great hike! Just don't wear yourself out before the hike back up to the top!! :)

Reviewed by MHF on 6/27/2005
Had a bit of difficulty finding the trailhead, be/c of heavy growth, so decided to walk up the river. Had a great time doing that!


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, Placer County Hiking, Placer County Trails, Placer County Hikes

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