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 stretch of Ponderosa Way that makes planning more important than the mileage suggests.
The waterfall itself, has been touted as 40 to 60 feet in height and a wonderful sight during peak flow.
Quick Facts: Codfish Falls Trail
- Location: Auburn State Recreation Area, near Weimar / Foresthill
- Trail Type: Out and back
- Distance: About 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 177–180 feet
- Difficulty: Easy, but narrow in spots
- Main Feature: Seasonal waterfall on Codfish Creek
- Best Season: Spring for peak flow
- Dogs: Allowed in Auburn SRA, but follow leash rules
- Fees: $10 vehicle day-use fee
- Road Warning: High-clearance vehicle recommended especially during winter and spring
Where Is Codfish Falls Trail?
Codfish Falls Trail is located inside the Auburn State Recreation Area, near Weimar, with access from Ponderosa Way. It’s on the North Fork American River side of the park right near the Ponderosa Way Bridge.
From Sacramento, take I-80 eastbound to the town Weimar, which is roughly 10 minutes east of Auburn. Exit on Weimar Cross Roads and make a right at the stop sign.
Then make an immediate right onto Ponderosa Way, which is almost like making a u-turn because you are going back along the freeway heading in a westward direction.
Eventually, the road starts winding away from the freeway and recommends that you go 20 to 25 miles per hour. With all the twists and turns, it’s best to follow the suggested speed limits.
The Drive to Codfish Falls Trailhead
Ponderosa Way remains paved until you reach a sign that welcomes you to the Auburn SRA. There are 3 miles left from this point, but at the 2.5 mile mark, a sign says “end county maintained road.”
This is where the adventure begins. The last 2.5 miles of Ponderosa Way is a nightmare for low clearance vehicles. There are numerous potholes, cracks and rocks in the road. It’s recommended to take a high clearance vehicle like a 4wd truck or SUV.
Additionally, this narrow road requires slow speeds as it winds all the way down the canyon to the river. The drive down is a few thousand feet drop in elevation. During inclement weather, drive very slow and safe. This section of the drive takes about 20-25 minutes and will eventually bring you to the trailhead right in front of the Ponderosa Way Bridge.
Keep This In Mind Before You Go To Codfish Falls:
- Ponderosa Way is paved at first, then gets rougher.
- The final 2.5 miles are the key concern.
- High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
- Winter and post-rain conditions can make the road more difficult.
- Parking is limited near Ponderosa Bridge.
Codfish Falls Trailhead: Parking, Amenities and Fees
The trailhead is at the end of Ponderosa Way. You must park on the side of the road before the bridge. Also, parking is very limited and will be harder during peak season and weekends. Do not block the road, bridge or restroom area.
The trailhead requires a $10 day-use fee per vehicle. There are port-a-potties available, as well.
Codfish Falls Trailhead
Codfish Falls Trail Description
Codfish Falls Trail begins near Ponderosa Bridge and quickly settles into a scenic walk along the North Fork American River. The first stretch is mostly gentle, with views of the river, a few pockets of shade, and a couple of side paths that lead closer to the water.
It feels more like a quiet river-canyon walk than a steep climb, which makes it one of the more comfortable waterfall hikes in Auburn State Recreation Area.
After about the first mile, the trail turns away from the river and follows Codfish Creek toward the falls. This final section gets a little narrower, rockier, and more enclosed, especially as you get closer to the waterfall. Once you get closer to the creek water, the waterfall will be on your right side.
In spring, you can hear Codfish Falls before you see it, with the creek pouring down the canyon after winter rain and snowmelt.
The trail itself, is well marked with a few signs at the beginning and along the path.
Best Time to Hike Codfish Falls Trail
Spring is the best time to hike the trail due to waterfall flow, green hillsides, wildflowers, and cooler hiking weather.
The summer will be hot, exposed and dry. The waterfall itself is significantly less than the spring. Additionally, the mornings are the best times to go during the summer as the temperatures can get to triple digits. However, this is also a good time to go swimming in the river by the bridge.
Fall season is good for cooler temperatures, but the waterfall may be low or dry, which defeats the purpose of hiking this trail.
The winter can also provide a better flow, depending on snowmelt and rain, but the road conditions will be more difficult.
Codfish Falls
Is Codfish Falls Trail Family Friendly?
Yes, the trail is family friend with an easy rating and a 3.4-mile roundtrip distance. However, it should be noted that there are some narrow sections with steep drop-offs toward the river. So, this is not a wide path on level grounds.
Are Dogs Allowed on Codfish Falls Trail?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed in most parts of the Auburn State Recreation Area except at Lake Clementine. In general, State Parks state that dogs must be on a leash that’s no longer than six feet.
Codfish Falls Trail: Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Scenery
Codfish Falls Trail feels especially alive in late winter and spring, when the North Fork American River canyon turns green and the route sees more color from seasonal wildflowers. As the trail follows the river and then bends toward Codfish Creek, the scenery shifts between open canyon views, shaded woodland, and damp creekside pockets where butterflies may gather near the falls.
The plant life also gives the hike a richer foothill feel, with oaks, manzanita, madrone, ponderosa pine, gray pine, and Douglas fir all adding texture along the route.
The river corridor is also a good place to slow down and watch for wildlife. Canyon Keepers notes that hikers may see dippers, also known as water ouzels, along the river, as well as merganser ducks moving through the current. Just keep an eye out for poison oak, especially in brushier sections and along narrower parts of the trail.
Gold Mining History Along the North Fork American River
Codfish Falls Trail may feel like a quiet canyon hike today, but this part of the North Fork American River sits in the heart of California Gold Country. Auburn State Recreation Area covers long stretches of the North and Middle Forks of the American River, where mining spread after the 1848 gold discovery at Coloma.
Along this trail, hikers can still see dredge tailings on the opposite side of the river. It’s a reminder of the Gold Rush ambition that spawned thousands of miners to dredge the North Fork American River.
Preservation of Codfish Falls
In 1993, the Placer Land Trust, along with Protect American River Canyons (PARC), purchased 30 acres along the North Fork of the American River just south of Weimar. This acreage became known as the Codfish Falls Trail Preserve which contains a segment of the trail and a wonderful region filled with numerous plant species and wildlife.
Underneath Ponderosa Way Bridge
Things to Do Near Codfish Falls Trail
In addition to visiting Codfish Falls, there are plenty of nearby attractions to add to your adventure:
Explore Auburn State Recreation Area
Codfish Falls Trail sits within Auburn State Recreation Area, so it pairs naturally with a broader day in the park. After the hike, you can explore river access points, scenic canyon drives, historic bridges, swimming areas, and other trails along the North and Middle Forks of the American River.
Visit Hidden Falls Regional Park
Hidden Falls Regional Park is a strong nearby option if you want another waterfall-focused outing in Placer County. The park has a larger trail network than Codfish Falls, with rolling foothill scenery, creek crossings, viewing decks, and popular waterfall stops like Hidden Falls and Canyon View Falls.
See Yankee Jims Bridge
Yankee Jims Bridge is one of the most memorable backroads stops near Codfish Falls, especially if you enjoy historic bridges and rugged Gold Country scenery. The narrow suspension bridge crosses the North Fork American River and adds a more adventurous, old-California feel.
Is Codfish Falls Trail Worth Hiking?
In the spring time, this trail is great for those of us that love chasing California waterfalls. In the summer time, hanging out at the river near the Ponderosa Way bridge is a fun activity as long as the river presents safe conditions.
As a big fan of the Auburn State Recreation Area, the Codfish Falls Trail feels like a distinct area of the ASRA that provides a unique and contrasting experience to the rest of the park.
The drive down to Codfish Falls Trailhead adds another layer of adventure to this journey. Ultimately, Codfish Falls Trail should be added to any ASRA itinerary.
FAQ About Codfish Falls Trail
How long is Codfish Falls Trail?
Codfish Falls Trail is roughly 3.4 miles round trip.
Is Codfish Falls Trail easy?
Yes, it is generally considered easy, but parts of the trail are narrow and have steep drop-offs toward the river.
Do you need a high-clearance vehicle for Codfish Falls?
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final 2.5 miles of Ponderosa Way, especially after rain or during rough road conditions.
When is the best time to visit Codfish Falls?
Spring is the best time because the waterfall is more likely to be flowing, wildflowers are blooming, and temperatures are cooler.
Does Codfish Falls dry up?
It can be low or dry in summer, so visit in late winter or spring for the best waterfall conditions.
Are dogs allowed on Codfish Falls Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Auburn State Recreation Area, but they should be kept on leash and cleaned up after.
Is there a fee for Codfish Falls Trail?
Yes, Auburn State Recreation Area has a $10 vehicle day-use fee.
Where is the Codfish Falls Trailhead?
The trailhead is on Ponderosa Way near Ponderosa Bridge over the North Fork American River, south of Weimar.
Sources
California State Parks — Auburn State Recreation Area
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=502
California State Parks — Auburn State Recreation Area Brochure PDF
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/502/files/AuburnSRAFinalWebLayout2016.pdf
Canyon Keepers — Codfish Falls Trail Guide PDF
https://www.canyonkeepers.org/tgcod.pdf
Visit Placer — Codfish Falls Trail
https://www.visitplacer.com/codfish-falls-trail/
AllTrails — Codfish Falls Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/codfish-falls-trail–2
California State Parks — Day Use Fees PDF
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/737/files/current_web_day%20use.pdf
