Codfish Falls may be more cascade than true falls, but lying deep within the North Fork American River canyon and the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA), this makes an especially pleasant hike. Even better, when the wildflowers are as abundant as they were this April 30th. Yet, the best of the season for both wildflowers and a photogenic flow of water over the falls is about over for this year.

One of the most beautiful parts of Mother Nature's grand design is that both the thundering chortle of the falls and the vibrant blossoms of intricate sculptures of individual flowers plus the patches of blooms spreading across the hillsides will return next year. Counting on the skills of at least three cardiologists, I'm planning on it too.

The Codfish Falls Trail is one of our easiest strolls but at least one spot requires scrambling over a rocky ledge not far below the trailhead at the north end of the Ponderosa Way Bridge. The trail is not signed but can be easily found as it drops by the sandy beach that will again be super popular once the water and air temperatures slip into a summer-time mode.

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Due to the prompt work by the Yuba County Road Crew the Waldo Bridge in Yuba County crossing Dry Creek on the Waldo County Road the bridge is open to traffic. Our thanx to Yuba County!

For more information on some great places to go to within this great area see the previous two blogs: Alternative Hikes to the Falls in Spenceville Wildlife Area and Winter Rushes Towards Spring Eagerly in Spenceville Wildlife Area

* * *ALERT dated 3-11-2009: The Waldo Bridge that is key to driving to Trailheads for Shingle Falls and several other trails has been closed by Yuba County after an apparent accident damaged the center support for the bridge. See Spenceville Wildlife Area description for additional information. * * *

SLIDESHOW for Spenceville Wildlife Area.

With the amount of rain we've had here in the foothills in the Nevada City and Grass Valley, CA area, Shingle Falls at Spenceville is booming. The creek water is still murky brown and the sunshine has been very scarce over the past few weeks, but this is a great time to visit. We're programmed for a break between the waves of storms and as a retired local that prefers to schedule outings by TV weather only a day or two ahead, I intend to revisit the Wildlife Area with the best weather next week.

The beauty of Spenceville Wildlife Area is that for the hiking/biking/equestrian rider enthusiasts there are several other soul satisfying treks besides the favored one to visit the falls.

Still, it's hard to pass up bagging two great waterfalls within a tenth mile of each other. This spring I intend to get a better measurement of un-named "Lower Shingle Falls." My eyeball measurements put the lower falls about the same as Shingle Falls (aka "Fairy Falls) themselves. Bill Haire, Trails Coordinator of the Nevada County Land Trust, has agreed to come along and bring his trusty clinometer to get some good measurements. Stay tuned.

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