Donner Canyon Falls with Jerry

This was a beautiful trip, what with all the rain last week. I had to take it kind of slow for Jerry. He hasn't been on any hikes since the last one with me. That was Carson Falls clear back on 4/14/2012, so almost two years ago. 

This hike starts out on the flatland with meadows and Donner Creek running beside the road. There are lots of different kinds of flowers if you're into that. There's this really cool tree laying across the creek. Many people have to climb on it or even across it. Like Jerry and I for instance.

Further along you start to hit the uphill although you still have a decently wide fire road to travel on.

At Meridian Ridge Road you are going to go forward, but you are going to come back from the right. This is the re-connection point for your loop. 

Go forward towards the Park Boundary about 0.5 miles to Falls Trail. Falls Trail cuts off to the right after you have gone up several steep switchbacks. It is a much smaller trail, but well-marked and well-used. 

As you go up the canyon, you will begin to see the falls on your right. You won't get down to most of them, although where you cross the creek there is a nice one, (see pic of Jerry.) You will then circle the canyon until you come to Middle Trail which will take you back to Meridian Ridge Road and your route home.

As for the trip home, well, we got most of the way back and Jerry left his hat!
It was up at the top of this steep hill, of course!
Fortunately, he noticed it after only about 1/4 mile, so we went back for it, (see below.)
There's Jerry way down the hill there.

All in all a nice hike with a little bit of climbing to make you feel good.

P.S. I don't recommend you doing this trip on a hot sunny day as there is no shade.

Directions:

From I-680 and Walnut Creek, drive out Ygnacio Valley Road 7.6 miles. 

Turn right onto Clayton Road and drive past Mitchell Canyon road to Marsh Creek Road. 

Continue forward to the next street.

Turn right onto Regency Drive and drive to the end and park. 

Just below you, you'll see Donner Canyon Fire Road. Go left.

The Hike

Go left towards the mountains on Donner Canyon Fire Road just below you.

Hike about 1-1/2 miles until you come to Meridian Ridge Road. Meridian Ridge Road goes to the right and the Park Boundary is to the left about 0.7 miles. 

Go left towards the Park Boundary about 0.5 miles to Falls Trail. Turn right onto it. 

Follow the Falls Trail about 1.2 miles until you get to Middle Trail. This is the section where you will find the falls. 

When you reach Middle Trail, go right about 0.5 mile until you get to Meridian Ridge Road. 

On Meridian Ridge Road turn right about 0.1 mile and you're back on Donner Canyon Fire Road where you took the left turn towards the park boundary.

Turn left to return to your car.

Total distance about 5.69 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain according to my Map My Hike app.

For the best lighting go in the late afternoon. In the morning it's all in shade, so although it looks great, the photo's are not the best.