Hidden Falls Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

This trail wraps around Coon Creek with plenty of resting spots, including two viewing decks that overlook majestic waterfalls.

Driving to the trailhead can be a bit tricky since there are a lot of turns a mile before the parking lot. It's best to look up the directions beforehand since GPS can be spotty in that area.

If you choose to head to the falls directly instead of taking the loop, the entrance is off of the North Legacy Way trail. It is unmarked, but there will be an opening in the fence followed by rocky stairs.

IMPORTANT! Reservations are required on the weekends and other high use days. Please visit the Placer County website for more info.

Due to covid 19 they ask only local community members use the park

The trail begins down Poppy Trail which contains some switchbacks. While heading down, there will be a spot where the trees open up to a wide view of the hillside. Poppy Trail ends at the first major intersection. There will be a sign with two arrows, one pointing to the left toward South Legacy Way, and an arrow pointing right over Whiskey Diggins Bridge toward North Legacy Way. This will be the same bridge on the return trip. South Legacy Way bends at this intersection, so there will be two paths to choose from. The loop will continue on the path closest to Coon Creek.

Take South Legacy Way all the way until you reach the 2nd restroom. At the 1st restroom, you really have your pick of trails that will all connect back to the 2nd restroom (South Legacy Way, Gold Finch Trail, and Great Egret Trail). Personally, I like Great Egret Trail since it stays close to the river.

Crossing over the Salmon Run Bridge at the second restroom marks the halfway point in the loop and the lowest elevation (397 feet) before starting the climb back up. Make a hard right onto the Creek Side Trail. This trail will hug the northern side of the river. Interestingly, right where the trail merges with Grey Squirrel Trail, Creek Side Trail becomes a one-way trail, not something often seen.

Creek Side Trail merges into North Legacy Way, a wide gravel road. Before crossing the Canyon View Bridge, you have the opportunity to jog up to first Viewing Deck for a snack break. You may even see Canyon View Falls from up there. This Viewing Deck is the only one that will have a roof to help shield against rain or sun.

As you make your way back down to the bridge, make a right after crossing to continue on to Hidden Falls Access Trail. After a short quarter mile, you'll reach the last Viewing Deck where you'll be treated with a full view of Hidden Falls.

Once you've had your fill, and gone back on Hidden Falls Access Trail, there will be a right turn to take you past this opening in a fence. Make a right past this opening and it will lead you back to the first major intersection past Whiskey Diggins Bridge. From there you'll finish the last leg of the loop backtracking on the Poppy Trail to the parking lot.