|
|
7 Lower American Canyon Creek Falls
| |
|
Location: Auburn, Auburn State Recreation Area, El Dorado County
Height: 37 ft.
Access:  
Distance: 4.4 miles (RT)
Elevation: 1700 ft. (-1000 ft.)
Season: Dec-May
Difficulty: 
Lat/Long:38.93471, -120.9437
Directions:From I-80 at Auburn, take Hwy 49 south to Cool. Turn left on Hwy 193 and drive 6 miles to Pilgrim Ct. Turn left and drive 0.3 miles to trailhead. It is located on the right just before the gate to the Auburn Lake Trails community.
|
|
Although little 15 ft. American Canyon Creek Falls is considered the primary waterfall along American Canyon Creek, and it is perhaps the most scenic falls on the creek, Lower American Canyon Creek Falls is actually a much bigger waterfall. Just a bit downstream from the upper falls, Lower American Canyon Creek Falls drops 37 ft. and is a gorgeous waterfall itself.
To find the lower falls, continue on the American Canyon Creek trail past the upper falls. You will need to cross American Canyon Creek again, which may require wading when the creek flow is high. After crossing the creek, the trail drops more steeply on its way down to the Middle Fork American River. There are many little pretty cascades along the creek. You will see one significant cascade from the trail, which is not possible to get down to because of the steep terrain. But if you continue on a short distance, you will see a spur trail leading steeply down to the creek. This spur trail leads down to the lower falls, which is located shortly before the creek joins up with the river.
Lower American Canyon Creek Falls drops in 2 tiers into a beautiful little pool. This one is probably better seen when the creek flow is higher (unlike the upper falls, which is probably better when the creek flow is lower).
Zoom out on map to see all nearby waterfalls:
Other waterfalls nearby:
|