Codfish Creek Falls Trail

Arguably the most difficult part of hiking the Codfish Creek Falls Trail is getting to it. An unmaintained dirt road leads from the canyon walls surrounding the creek to the trailhead in the Auburn State Recreational Area. The final 2.5 miles of the road are rutted, sometimes muddy, pot-holed and narrow, coming precariously close to the cliff edges. As harrowing as this is, once you arrive at the trailhead on Ponderosa Way near the Ponderosa Bridge, you'll be happy you persevered. 

This trail is best hiked in the spring when the wildflowers and butterflies are rampant, the creek is full of water, and the falls at the end are rushing down the wall of the canyon. The lush foliage and babbling water make every step enjoyable, and you're rewarded with a rest on a sandy beach or on the rocks surrounding the falls while your fur pup romps in the water. A swimming hole below the falls is pawrfect for a dip, too. A fork in the trail just before the falls will lead you to the top for a thrilling birds-eye view of their majestic cascade, or you can just go directly to their base.

Among the wildlife you and your pooch may spot are snakes and mountain lions, and birds such as the Merganser duck with its distinctive red head, and the Dipper, a small gray bird that dips its head underwater to view prey in the creek. Manroot, lupines, California Laurel and many other native plants line the path through oaks and Ponderosa Pines. An interpretive nature guide is available at the trailhead to help identify them as you pass. 

While there are remnants of the dredge mining that once dominated this landscape, there is an overwhelming sense of remoteness in this peaceful, remote canyon. Its quiet beauty will enchant you and the sensory smorgasbord will delight your fur-baby!