Author: Rick Rockwell
Iowa Hill Bridge: The Old and New Bridges Near Colfax, California
Iowa Hill Bridge is one of those Placer County points of interest where a simple river crossing turns into a wonderful piece of Gold Country history. Placed along Iowa Hill Road between Colfax and the ghost town of Iowa Hill, this crossing over the North Fork American River gives visitors a rare side-by-side look at …...
Pennyweight Falls Trail: Hiking to a Hidden Waterfall Near Colfax
Pennyweight Falls is one of those Placer County waterfalls that’s often overlooked for other falls nearby. Yet, Pennyweight Falls is a wonderful addition to any Auburn State Recreation Area visit. Tucked below Colfax, near Iowa Hill Road, Mineral Bar, and the North Fork American River, the trail gives you a quick dose of Gold Country...
Codfish Falls Trail: Auburn SRA Waterfall Hike
Codfish Falls Trail is one of the easier waterfall hikes in Auburn State Recreation Area, but the drive to the trailhead is what most visitors remember first. The hike follows the North Fork American River before turning up Codfish Creek to a seasonal waterfall, with spring wildflowers, canyon views, river access, and a rough final...
Hidden Falls Regional Park Guide: Trails, Waterfall, Parking, and What to Know Before You Go
If you want a Northern California park that feels both easy to reach and surprisingly wild, Hidden Falls Regional Park is one of the best choices in Placer County. Set in the Auburn foothills, this 1,200-acre park combines rolling oak woodland, creek crossings, broad valley views, and a waterfall that gives the whole place its …...
Rockbound Trail Near Wrights Lake: Guide to the Trailhead, Hikes, Fees, Permits, and What to Expect
Rockbound Trail is one of the more challenging Desolation Wilderness routes in the Crystal Basin as it gives hikers direct access to some of the deeper, more rugged scenery and destinations. Located near Wrights Lake, the trail begins at Rockbound Trailhead which offers basic amenities. While there is a quick trail option to Beauty...
Twin Lakes Trail Near Wrights Lake: Complete Hiking Guide, Fees, Permits, and What to Expect
Twin Lakes Trail is one of the most popular trailheads in the entire Crystal Basin. Located near Wrights Lake, this trail gives hikers a straightforward path to reaching alpine lakes, granite landscapes, and Desolation Wilderness without starting from one of the busier Tahoe access points. Starting at the Twin Lakes Trailhead, this trail...
Union Valley Reservoir: Crystal Basin’s Biggest Lake and Things To Do
Union Valley Reservoir is one of those Sierra lakes that feels like it was built for the perfect summer getaway. Set in the heart of Crystal Basin in El Dorado National Forest, it is the largest lake in the area, with multiple boat ramps, a long campground-lined shoreline, a paved bike trail, fishing, and enough …...
Gerle Creek Reservoir: A Quiet Crystal Basin Lake for Fishing, Paddling, and Relaxing
Gerle Creek Reservoir is one of the quieter corners of the Crystal Basin, and that is a big part of its charm. While bigger lakes like Union Valley, Ice House, and Loon Lake often get more attention, Gerle Creek offers something different: a smaller, calmer mountain reservoir with a hassle-free pace. From quiet picnicking and …...
Ice House Reservoir: A Crystal Basin Escape with Classic Sierra Scenery
If you want a Sierra reservoir that feels easy to reach but still has a true mountain-lake setting, Ice House Reservoir is one of the better escapes in El Dorado County. Set in the Crystal Basin of Eldorado National Forest, this forested reservoir gives you a mix of camping, boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, and nearby …...
Loon Lake: Crystal Basin’s Gateway to Boating, Camping, and Wilderness Adventure
Loon Lake is one of those Sierra places that feels a little more adventurous the moment you arrive. Set high in the Crystal Basin, it mixes boating, fishing, camping, granite scenery, and access to bigger backcountry-style experiences in a way that makes it feel more rugged than the more family-friendly reservoir stops. Loon Lake is...
