On AllTrails app search "Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls". Parallel Parking on the street…read moreClose to the trailhead - get here early otherwise your parking will be part of your hike. It's early spring. There is lots of wildflowers - lots and lots of butterflies to see. Got to see many reptiles - skinks and a variety of lizards. Many hawks flying overhead. Lots of amazing views of the river. And a couple of small waterfalls. Walked further than the posted trail on All Trails just to add some extra mileage.

We stopped by on a Friday afternoon and the sun was peaking in and out from the clouds. The…read moreopening to the trail can be easily missed so just pay attention to the signs. The address on Yelp is not accurate so I would suggest using Google for directions. Parking is limited so if you don't get lucky with snagging one of the parking spots in the front then just park down the corridor and make the walk back up. The entire trail itself is flat with very little to no incline. We had my three younger nieces with us and they were able to physically complete the hike with no complaints. As you reach the bridge, walk across it and keep going to see the end prize of a gorgeous waterfall. The hike will amaze you with some scenic views of beautiful mountain backdrops with clear waters roaming down the stream. It was a very peaceful and therapeutic experience. We were able to have conversations without the disruptions of life, and we had a chance to soak in nature without the nuances of digital connectivity. So -- bring some water, snacks, and maybe a light lunch to enjoy the short and yet breathtaking experience with your loved ones. P.S. you will pass a few mini waterfalls before getting to the grand prize. Even if you don't see or hear anything for a while, just keep going because once you turn the corner -- it will all have been worth it. Although I'm an avid hiker and have walked through many trails throughout the state, this trail will remain my favorite trail in all of California.

*SWEETWATER TRAIL*Came up here around 8am on a Sunday and there were only 2 cars in the parking…read morelot...by time we left it was still only less than half full. I've never been here so here's a heads up for those that are new. Every time I googled the pin would drop on Salmon Falls Rd. So I looked up Salmon Falls Bridge and zoomed in. There is a sharp left turn right before you get to the bridge itself. This turn will take you up to two parking lots, both with their own bathroom (four stalls total). There's also a boat ramp but this area is shallow. The trail starts at the lot to the left as you enter. The pathway is not too narrow but in some areas it is and it's used for both walking/biking and there is POISON OAK everywhere. I suggest wearing long socks/pants. If you do wear shorts be cautious! There are plenty of trails that lead off to the right and take you down toward the lake. My boys and I packed up our coolers and spent some time down there for lunch. When we went it was beautiful and sunny with just a light breeze. This is a nice trail to get in a good walk/run. We will definitely be back as it's beautiful up here...enjoy!!

This review is specifically about Darrington trail that leads to Salmon Falls trail. It is a tiny…read moreparking area past the Salmon Falls entrance, over the small bridge. Get there early for parking and make sure to always lock your car and leaving nothing visible. This trail is known for break-ins. I come here once a week for trail running. It is always so peaceful and quiet. The trail begins with a short and easy incline to get the heart rate started. It is very popular with bikers so be mindful of them and try to keep on one side. Some of them are great about using the bells to alert hikers but not all. Luckily I have my bear bell hanging from my bag as well that helps for the same reason. It is usually pretty empty early mornings when I typically arrive and even by 10am it is not to bad. Be aware that it does get fairly warm because there is not much shade. It is more of a creek than a lake but at times it does get more full, usually at the end of Spring. I have spotted a couple of bobcat cubs so keep an out for wildlife. Overall my fav close spot to hike or run. The walk back in the mornings is best for pics. Enjoy and please keep it clean and safe!

January 27, 2026 - El Dorado Hills, CA…read more Not much to recommend unless you have watercraft. We walked along the shoreline, but it was mostly rocky and muddy, and we didn't really see a defined trail. A few people were fishing, there were maybe five boats out on the lake, and a helicopter was practicing water drops, which was interesting but unexpected. Entry fee was $12. Overall, probably better for boaters than for walking or hiking.

Brown's Ravine is marketed as a great spot to bring dogs, but it wasn't quite what we expected…read more There isn't much of a true "beach" area to sit out and relax, so if you're looking for a sandy shoreline to spread out with your pup, this probably isn't the best fit. We did find a little spot to set up, but it was right where boats were constantly going by, which made the water very choppy. On the plus side, there are real bathrooms on site, and if you're looking for a place to drive up, park your car, and have more of a beach picnic vibe, it could work. Overall though, it didn't quite meet what we were looking for with our dogs.

This area makes for a lovely walk, hike, bike, or even fishing outing! A couple of bridges and nice…read morenature with plenty of shade is great anytime

Great outdoor area always something beautiful to see! It does take a bit of hiking and you need to…read morewatch out where you are stepping! Not only because of steep areas but there's rattlesnakes in this area as well.

One of the best hikes in the country !!! about a two hours…read morehike straight up with some mini rock climbing.... At the end you will find a nice mini lake...ok ok a pond....its very nice! I took a (cold) swim right before heading back and was dry by the time we got back. youcan opt to take the gondola back to town or hike back down ----be careful !!! we just saw a lady brake her ankle on her way down.... we were really careful after that....

My favorite hiking location and my go-to option when I need a break from everything in the city…read more Beautiful wildlife and scenery makes me want to come back here every chance I get.

Beautiful scenery - hike was a pretty steep one about 5 miles but hopping in the lake after is…read moresomething to look forward to . Paddle boarding here is also a MUST

I bike on Salmon Falls Trail normally and was pretty excited to read about this trail opening and…read morewas finally able to try it on 05/01/11. This trial is an ass kicker. It starts you off with climbing then when your legs are about to fall off....you climb somemore. About an hour of climbing you finally reach the top and you are rewared with a nice view of the South Fork American River with the happy rafters riding down it. Look to your right and you get a really nice view of Salmon Falls bridge and Folsom Lake. Unlike the Salmon Falls Trail you share this one with equestrians so look out as you're flying down that hill. Definitly an advanced trail for mountain bikers. I couldn't find a good website for this trial so I linked the Sacbee article please feel free to update that if you find something better. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/30/3066300/south-fork-american-river-trail.html I want to thank American River Conservancy and the federal Bureau of Land Management and all those that donated for all their time and hard work and for providing us with this new trail for our recreation.

Amazing nice quick stop on highway 50 heading to Lake Tahoe got some great pictures it's a quick…read morestop so be prepared.

Chasing (roadside) waterfalls…read more.. This is a pretty decent roadside waterfall off Highway 50 (between Sac and Lake Tahoe) near Pollock Pines. It is pretty during spring as snow melting gives the waterfall a good amount of flow with a drop of 80-ft. Nice stop to stretch out the legs at the same time. The waterfall grabs your attention whether you're driving to or from Lake Tahoe. The falls is to your right as you head to the Lake. I suppose you can pull over on the opposite side of the highway to get a full view of the falls but I wouldn't cross the road as it is dangerous because there are blind turns, sometimes cars and trucks whiz by fast and furious down this road. Easy access where you literally just pull over into a very large pullout right in front of the falls. This waterfalls is about 60 miles from our place. It is worth stopping to look at, at least once, on your way to Lake Tahoe. Review #2106 updated