Indian Creek Trail
DESCRIPTION:
No bikes or horses. The river experience on the North Fork is fun, the falls less so. The trail is easy enough in grade but was brushed in when I was there in 2002. Riparian-loving flowers can be nice in the early spring. The trail stays just above the south bank of the river with access trails to swimming holes scrambling down at several places. The trail ends at Indian Creek and the relaxing, 30' double waterfall. The falls serve as a refreshing shower in the summer. Yankee Jim’s Road from Colfax to Foresthill is an adventure in itself and a nice drive if you don’t mind big canyons, big drop-offs, and no railings. Devils Falls, 70+ feet of cascades and falls, lies along the edge of the road a half-mile south of the river towards Foresthill.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 920’-960’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Indian Creek Trail
Topographic map: Colfax. Exit at Colfax (H) and turn immediately right (west) at stop sign on Canyon Way frontage road. Turn left (south) in 0.8 mile onto Yankee Jim’s Road. Follow down into North Fork American River canyon then cross the bridge to the trailhead on the south side. The trail starts with a rock-hop across Shirttail Canyon Creek which is best during a short June to July window of time. Too early, you can’t wade across Shirttail, but wait too late and Indian Falls are a shower. To appreciate the two smallish falls totaling 30', you have to scramble up a steep users’ trail or the creek itself to see. The falls are out of sight as they lay upstream above the river.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
