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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 18 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Kell on 3/17/2008 Ah, dirt... Had a bad case of cabin fever, and hiked this last weekend (Mid March). A few buttercups and corn flowers, and black & purple I-Dunno-Whats. The pine forest is a treat in this part of the State. Yes, just past the trailhead at the lower parking lot (Salmon Falls assembly area), veer to the right up the hill. After mile 1.5, when you start heading away from the river, just keep to the left all the way, and you'll get back to the upper parking lot (the Monte Vista trailhead). Yes, wear pants. There are some pricker bushes as well as plenty of poison oak. Great little hike.
Reviewed by V&BN on 1/21/2008 Excellent hike. This is an absoulutely reccomended hike for beginners or for those that do not really do such things. It is a well maintained hike that is scenic from beginning to end. The trail is easy to follow and you even have the option of taking a dip in the River if desired, although not recommended beacuse the water is probably freezing.
Reviewed by Robb&Christy on 8/26/2007 Great trail! We just moved here from the east coast and this trail was a great introduction to California hiking. We took our 7 month old daughter and the hike was perfect length (@2 hours) covered easy terrain (my wife used a baby bjorn and it worked great for the hike). Wonderful views from just past the pine forest as well.
Reviewed by DaveofCA on 6/4/2007 We went out for our very first hike yesterday afternoon and chose Old Salmon Falls Loop. It was beautiful. We took our 3 year old and our 6 month old puppy and took our time. The trail is clearly marked although we couldn't find trailhead one and started at the wrong end, but ended up at the assembly area. Nice views and easy going. Definitely good for beginners.
Reviewed by Vanessa on 3/25/2007 Great hike! My husband and I took our dog out, he loved it and so did we. We had a hard time finding Falcon Crest, but once we did it we went down and parked in the Old Salmon Falls Assembly area. The trail was easy to find. We only saw two other hikers which was nice. I would have like the hike to be more on the waters edge, but it was still great. It took us two hours, we stopped and picniced and took some time to have the dog play in the water. Saw lots of beautiful butterflies, and some birds, saw wild turkeys when we were driving there but not on the trail. Nice hike for beginners. Second half is more hilly, but give you good cardio.
Reviewed by Nic & Jason on 9/3/2006 Very enjoyable first hike. We were a little confused as to where to start the hike. We ended up parking in the Old Salmon Falls Assembly area and parking was $5 (note - the Rangers do come by to check so make sure you self-pay.) The trail was easy to follow but we weren't clear on which direction to go at times. The view at the top where the picnic tables are located was worth it. This was a pleasant walk and will do it again.
Reviewed by victoria on 2/9/2006 My husband and I enjoyed this short little hike. It's pretty level and the trail is easy to follow. The last part of the hike is uphill but the view from the top was worth it. We didn't see much wildlife other than a few birds and some butterflies but the weather is just starting to warm up. Didn't find any poison oak that so many other hikers mentioned...guess that was good. Overall, it was a pleasant one hour hike, good for beginners like us.
Reviewed by Mark on 8/14/2005 As a complete novice, I have this to say. There are some forks that you basically will guess at. Don't worry about the trail that crosses yours right after you start, that goes to a barb-wire fence. Just pass it up. After the stand of new pine trees, you will get to a 4-way intersection, which corresponds to the extinct waterfall. I went left, up the hill, which I don't think is part of the trail. I think if you continue straight, you'll follow the directions. But I found the picnic tables and water even going "off the map." After the picnic tables, you will follow what looks like a small road to pick up the trail again, and then it is a straight shot to the upper parking lot. Do NOT do this trail in shorts! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||