University Falls - Georgetown, Ca.

June 9, 2012 - University Falls (aka Pilot Creek Falls) - Georgetown, Ca.

This weekend hike took us to Georgetown, Ca. and while our hike changed last minute, due to forgetting the trail guide at home, I believe it was a change for the better. As any good hiker knows, before setting out onto a new trail, checking in at the local ranger station is a smart thing to do. In this circumstance, the ranger had a fantastic alternate trail for us. When it gets hot it seems the locals head to a well know trail that leads to a graduated waterfall about 2.5 miles in.

Once in Gerogetown, about an hour east from Auburn on highway 49, head east on Main Street approximately 3 miles to the ranger station. They have maps and other helpful items, even a gift store. Take a right out of the parking and drive approximately 8 more miles. just past Sand Mountain Blvd. (on the right) is a yellow gate blocking a fire road. If memory serves correctly it is across the road from a fire station. Parking is limited and I was told that the police patrol for poorly parked vehicles blocking the road. We parked in a lovely shady spot on Sand Mountain Blvd. and walked the block to the yellow gate that serves as the trail head.

The first half of the trail is a wide fire road, with rather creative markings. At the first fork, about 100 feet in, stay to the right. At the next fork, with the painted blue tree in the middle, stay to the left. When you see the downed log with the blue arrows, bear right and off the fire road. The next fork is marked by painted stones and trees and leads you to more of a trail and the start of the rather steep decent. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended simply for the traction as it can get slippery.
 The bottom of the hills leads you to the reward. A mild creek leads to four waterfalls that double as water slides. Along the hike are signs that inform the visitors of the high traffic and reminds hikers that they are on private property for much of the hike and to respect the area by packing out trash. It also informs hikers that while the waterfalls are beautiful and double as water slides, the fourth waterfall has had hazardous effects on those that attempt it.

The trail is quite well traveled and the waterfalls are rather busy on the weekends. On this particular day we shared the view and the slides with 50 or so other hikers of all ages. The trail in all takes about an hour and a half each way, however due to the slides, plan to spend the day.

 The Pros: Easy hike, great waterfalls, fun slides.

The Cons: High traffic, long drive.

The Rating: 2/5 for difficulty, 4/5 for overall pleasantness