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 Reporter |
Summary: This is an excellent, easy hike close to Folsom. Start by walking down the paved road to the Old Salmon Falls assembly area. You could park here as well, but there is a $2 fee. Pick up the Brown's Ravine trail at the end of the parking lot. The trail follows the South Fork American River with plenty of great views. Along the way, you will pass through a new pine forest, planted in 1972. At the 1.4 mile mark, you will reach a trail junction, and the site of an extinct waterfall, Salmon Falls, which was destroyed when the Folsom Dam was built in the 1950's. This is a great spot to stop and picnic. Follow the signs to the Monte Vista Trailhead to return to your car. The last 0.8 miles climbs up to a tremendous vista where there are some picnic tables and drinkable water. After the hike, take the time to explore the old Salmon Falls town site (at the lower parking lot). This was an old Mormon gold mining town, which is now underwater because of the Folsom Dam. Trailhead: From JCT of East Natoma St. and Green Valley / Blue Ravine Rd. in Folsom, drive east on Green Valley Rd. for 2.9 miles to Salmon Falls Rd. Turn left (north), and drive 2.9 miles to turnout on left (marked as Falcon Crest). Park in the large parking area (this is the Monte Vista trailhead). (Lat:38.74816 Lon:-121.05956) Trail Guides for Old Salmon Falls Loop: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, (916) 988-0205 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 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 11/8/2009 This was a great hike. My husband and I just took our 2 year old and 2 month old in packs and it was easy enough for us with the extra weight. Beautiful fall hike. 
Reviewed by Christina on 7/5/2009 As an amateur hiker (only our 2nd), I made the mistake of wearing shorts and Teva style open to hiking sandals. My legs brushed up against a lot of scrubby prickly weeds. My shorts and my dog were covered in prickly, velco-like, burrs that I needed to remove from his coat as soon as we finished. But the hike was pretty easy although my old dog needed many breaks for water. We started from Falcon Crest (the free parking area). The hike to the lake was pretty easy but I was a bit disappointed with the terrain near the water's edge near the paid parking area. It was rocky and muddy so it's probably best to bring two pairs of shoes and pants of course.
Reviewed by Jessica R on 6/16/2009 Very relaxing and simple hike! Definitely a beginners trail. Majority is shaded by beautiful trees, leading down to the river. It literally takes you to the shore, where you can relax on a mini-beach like area. Perfect for dogs, even has a hose so you can let them get a drink. Very breezy, and quiet. You will definitely enjoy this!
Reviewed by R&M on 6/6/2009 Really awesome easy hike. Some nice spots of shade to walk in too (the pine grove is wonderful). Water fountain and hose (for horses or dogs) is by the picnic tables. Good advice by prior reviewer to follow the state park signs (stake with the golden bear) when wondering what path to take.
Reviewed by RonnieGeo on 5/11/2009 This was a nice beginner hike. We definitely enjoyed starting at the paid parking area - but if you start above, just go down the paved road first (don't save it for the end of the hike!). The uphill leading to potable water and picnic tables was a little tough in the heat, but definitely do-able. Saw a rattlesnake off to the side, but he was small. Lots of Poison Oak, so stay on the trail! Great views of the lake, and overall a very good hike for beginners. Total Garmin time/distance 1hr 33 min and 2.10 miles. Thank you for the listing and getting us out here!
Reviewed by Lori on 3/22/2009 Directions leave you at the upper parking lot (free) so we took the trail backwards starting at MonteVista TrailHead and ending at the lower parking lot ($3 self-pay)... this means a big uphill haul at the end of the hike (PHEW!). Saw plenty of that poison oak the other reviews warned about but path was kept pretty clear. Scenery is terrific, good hike for beginners... AND dogs! Plenty of open areas so we let our pooch run free. Of course she ended up with some burrs and TICKS (but we always inspect after outings anyway). WELL worth it!!
Reviewed by SVK on 3/15/2009 Very nice. Not too far away from Sacto, so if you don't have much time but still want to get out in the sunshine for a bit this is a great hike. We took about 2 hours. There are several trails leading all around but they're clearly marked. We made one big circle, let the dog run around, had a great time, and had a nice view. Great for beginners.
Reviewed by SM on 2/28/2009 We,2 Adults 2 kids (9 and 4) did the loop today. We started at the lower paid parking ( I was concerned about my 4 1/2 year old making it to the upper lot after the hike). We started the trail at the Trail sign. This took us on a trail with the water to our right. We enjoyed it very much. We took a break after an hour at the point where the Solomon trail loops back. This allowed us to get to the waters edge. We had not seen the picnic benchs yet. On the loop back the little one was getting tired so I carried her on my shoulders for a little while. After a while the trail went up and took us to the picnic benches where the view was as advertised. We made it back to the lower parking a couple hours after we started. Thanks to this site 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, Sacramento County Hiking, Sacramento County Trails, Sacramento County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||