Hidden Falls Regional Park — Attraction in Auburn

'22/3 1st Review & patron: Wow, Wow, Wow! For the average walker/hiker/rider (bike/horse) who wants spectacular views, walking paths, and bridges in the country that includes water falls and an accessible stream? But, all the creature comforts of one's neighborhood park? Including shaded pathway options and bringing the four-legged family member along? Look NO further! This has it all. Birders will be pleased as well, we logged 23 species! -- Parking: while it's become so popular that the park district requires parking permits to be reserved/paid ONLINE before will let one's vehicle pass the toll kiosk, once past the check-point, the fun begins. Huge, paved, level parking lot--easily accommodates multiple truck/horse trailer combo rigs as well. -- Restrooms: a full functioning, cinderblock, mens/womens building complete with sinks/dryers and water fountain is well situated where the parking lot end, and the trail head begins. -- Sturdy, readable, visible map displays and trail-head markers: check. They're posted at all the right spots along the way. There was lots of people on the Sunday morning our party of four walked, so plenty of people to ask if do feel like don't know how to get to a certain site in the park or back to the parking lot. -- Trails: TONS. All groomed and marked. Many with benches along the way to sit and take in all the splendor while giving the feet a rest. Several large lookout decks. The trails range from the wide, gravel one the ranger truck passed us by on (an off-road-rated wheeled chair/stroller can navigate), to the simple path, to the rugged path...all with their own varying degrees of ease/difficulty. There truly is a path for every level/age to enjoy. The many maps placed at crossroads denote "You are here," plus a treasure-map looking labyrinth of trails to various parts of the park. . [see posted...

I just HAD to get out of town! Found this park on the map, ordered my parking pass (a super easy process), tied my shoes and got on the road. I probably could not have found this place w/o Google Maps!

Once there, I talked with a few hikers. They told me that dogs on lease are allowed, and to watch for bicycle riders. Since it was afternoon, the riders were gone, though there were a few horses.

You have lots of choices at the trailhead. I took the Poppy Trail (there were NO poppies in midMarch). It is a gradual descent of one mile, about 5%, down to the creek on a switchback trail. Near the parking there were some brodiaea and vetch in bloom and the hillside was green. Closer to the creek there were vinca and buttercups. BUT there was also a lot of poison oak.

At a footbridge over the creek, there were plenty of choices of trails. I didn’t feel that the trails were that well marked, though there were sign posts. Fortunately, I had cell phone connection even in the canyon. I wanted to see the falls, so I took that path. It is not as wide or even a path as the Poppy Trail. About half a mile to the falls overlook. There is also access to the junction of two creeks at a kind of beach. On Sunday afternoon there were quite a few people down there in the water.

Falls viewed, feet rested, I decided to face the 700’ climb back to my car. It took me a good long time to get up that hill, but there is no choice—walk or call 911!

Because the county limits access, it was pleasant walking. You can see nearby homes from much of the trail. I would think twice about taking a dog because there were signs warning about ticks, and I saw plenty of poison oak.

This was a really great get away only 29 miles from...

This park was great! The trails to get to the falls were clearly marked and there were also maps posted just so people didn't get lost. There are a variety of trails that can be taken and the difficulties are clearly shown.

The hidden falls access trail is the best trail as it leads you down to observation points that are closest to the water, however, it can get a little crowded and difficult to navigate with such marrow paths and so many people.

This park is super dog and family friendly, and the elevation change is small enough that people of all ages and abilities were able to complete the hike.

The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5? Parking and trash! When you arrive at the park, a ranger is standing at the top of the hill directing cars if the lot is full. If the lot is full, he will direct drivers to ither hikes in the area. Parking is free, which is a bonus, and we didn't have any trouble finding parking at 10 am on a Sunday, but the lot was filling up fast!

There are many signs posted that ask visitors to pick up their trash and leave no trace, etc. But it seemed like there was a lot of trash near all of the falls just out of reach (otherwise I would have picked some up myself). I'm not sure if it is possible, but trash cans would be nice, or a little better maintenance to make sure that visitors to the area can enjoy the views without being exposed to litter.

Otherwise, this is a great little hike that starts out about 3 miles and is shared with mountain bikers and horse riders. With the additional trails, hikers can make it as long or short...