It’s spring in California. Or, at least that’s what they tell me.  With the drought we have been having for the last few years here in California it feels like spring all the time. Sometimes it feels like the only way I can really tell it’s spring is paying attention to the time of year my allergies go crazy! Cough. Cough. Sneeze. Sneeze.  (I am only kidding.  Well, sort of.)

To celebrate spring and the energetic feeling it gives me I embarked on a nice little hike in Hidden Falls State Park in Auburn California. I work in Auburn and have been meaning to check this Placer County park out for years. I sure am glad I finally got around to it. The park is glorious. It boasts multiple waterfalls and lots of flora and fauna worthy of any other great state park. There many different trails of various skill levels.

My favorite trails were the poppy trail and the hidden falls trail. Combined I imagine they totaled about five miles plus.  Both of the trails skirt along creeks and boast rewards at the end. One reward is a wonderful waterfall and creek view. The other is several spring pools full of frogs and pollywogs. Wildflowers were everywhere. Just beware that the trails are all downhill which means UPHILL all the way back to where you began.

The park had a multitude of other trails that will have to be explored another day on a fresher pair of feet. We spent the better part of five hours hiking around and enjoying the scenery and the smiles on people’s faces. The park is very children and dog friendly. And it is FREE! Free parking and free entrance.