ASRA
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 …...
Yankee Jims Bridge: A Walk Through Placer County History
At first glance, Yankee Jims Bridge looks like a quiet backcountry crossing suspended above the North Fork American River. But this narrow bridge in Placer County stands on a route with roots deep in California’s Gold Rush era, when the nearby mining camp of Yankee Jim’s helped turn the surrounding canyon into an important...
Yankee Jim Robinson: The Outlaw Behind a Gold Rush Town and an Enduring Legend
Long before Yankee Jims became the name of a Gold Rush town in Placer County, it was tied to a “lawless character” known as James “Yankee Jim” Robinson. While Robinson’s small chapter in Gold Rush history begins with the discovery of gold in the Yankee Jims area by 1850, his final pages paint a darker …...
Codfish Falls Trail: The biggest adventure is driving there
Codfish Falls is a 65-70 foot waterfall located on Codfish Creek in the Auburn State Rec Area. The creek, and waterfall, flows down toward the North Fork of the American River. The trail to the waterfall is roughly 1.5 miles long with pleasant views of the river, canyon and plant life. There is a small trailhead to …...
Pennyweight Falls: My two cents on this Placer County waterfall
Directions Take I-80 east from Sacramento to Colfax Take exit 133 off I-80 (Canyon Way) and head 1.1 miles Turn right onto Iowa Hill Road Drive for 2.7 miles to the sharp right turn in road before crossing American River Trailhead is just north of the river bridge on east side of street Park on …...
A look at both the old and the new Iowa Hill Bridges
The older bridge, which was built in 1928, was no longer safe or suitable for modern transportation needs. However, instead of tearing down and replacing the older bridge, the county decided to leave it standing for all to enjoy. This presented a unique scenario of two bridges sharing the same name and location. Directions …...
Devils Falls: Giving the devil its due
Yankee Jims Road runs directly through this canyon on its way south to Foresthill. Along Yankee Jims road you will find Devils Falls located about 5.6 miles south of Colfax. The Waterfall Devils Falls is roughly 50 to 60 feet high. When flowing at its peak, the waterfall splits into two distinct streams of water. …...
Bunch Canyon Falls: a historical hiking adventure
It’s located on Bunch Canyon creek which flows through Bunch Canyon. This creek is historically significant due to its part in the gold rush era of Placer County. Bunch Creek History According to various historical accounts, after miners found gold along Bunch Creek a camp quickly sprung up. The camp, which was located about 1/2...
Clarks Hole: an enchanting swimming spot on the American river
In fact, the city of Auburn used to manage Clarks Hole as a municipal swimming pool over 100 years ago. The swimming hole used to have concession stands and lifeguards. Today, this hole remains very popular especially during the summer months. Origin Many believe that Clarks Hole was the result of mining activity in the …...
Foresthill Bridge: soaring over the American River
Construction was completed in 1973 with the purpose of spanning the planned Auburn Lake. Unfortunately, the Auburn Dam was never built and the lake (reservoir) never came to fruition. However, the bridge still spans the North Fork American River near the Confluence where the North Fork meets with the Middle Fork. The Foresthill bridge...