Salmon Falls Bridge Trail aka Darrington Trail in El Dorado Hills, CA
- Article Written By El Dorado Hills Resident: Brenan Greene
This week, we wanted to cover a trail that was a bit more advanced then our last post on the Falcon Crest Walking Trail around Folsom Lake. The Salmon Falls Bridge Trail, also less commonly known as Darrington Trail, is an amazing hiking, biking and walking trail with stunning views of Folsom Lake.
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail (Darrington Trail) is located just 5.8 miles down Salmon Falls Rd. from Green Valley and El Dorado Hills, Blvd. Once you cross over Salmon Falls Bridge, the entrance to the Darrington trail will be on your immediate left across the street from the lower parking lot.
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail Details
- Location: El Dorado Hills, CA (Salmon Falls Bridge)
- Technical Level: Intermediate to Advanced (I would not recommend kids)
- Length: 10 Miles one-way (20 miles round trip)
- Dogs: Allowed on leashed (Some friendly dogs seen unleashed)
- Snakes: Watch out for Rattlesnakes in this area!
- Parking: 1. Before bridge on left, 2. Lower parking lot, 3. Uppper parking lot
- Fees: $10 Parking in Main Parking Lot, Free on Dirt
- Water: No water on trail, bring your own water
- Restrooms: 2 porta potties in parking lot below
- Picnic Tables: No Tables on immediate trail
- The Views: AMAZING!!
- Cliffs and Drop-Offs: There are many (be careful!)
- Best Time to Hike or Ride: February – April | September – October
- Local Trails Map: Folsom Lake Trails Map
- Darrington Trail Map: Salmon Falls Bridge (Darrington Trail) Map
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail (Darrington Trail), Overview
Beginning of the Trail – Looking out over the Salmon Falls Bridge
About 10 Minutes into the trail – Looking out over Folsom Lake
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail – Looking Back at the Bridge – WOW
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail – Looking Out Towards the Peninsula
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail – Heading into the woods
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail – Old Bridge along the way!
Watch out for the Poison Oak – it is everywhere!
Salmon Falls Bridge Trail – Heading Back in
Salmon Falls Bridge follows the edge of the Folsom Lake Peninsula all the way to Peninsula Park. For the first couple of miles on this trail, you will be faced with treacherous cliffs and drop-offs. Some sections of the trail are very sketchy and have steep slopes while other sections are flat and easy to navigate. Just take your time in these sections of the trail and be courteous of other walkers, hikers and bikers coming in the opposite direction.
Once you get through the first section (1-2 miles), it gets much easier and everything flattens out. There used to be a paved road through some of these sections further into the trail. These paved roads have since deteriorated over time; however, you can still see the remains of them which makes for a pretty epic ride, walk or hike.
Several miles into the Salmon Falls Bridge (Darrington) Trail, you will come across fire roads that have a creek running through. Depending on what time of year you walk or ride the trail will determine whether or not there is water flowing through it.
There are many routes on the Salmon Falls Bridge (Darrington) Trail but they all end up at the same location; Peninsula Park.
Towards the End of The Trail
At the end of the trail, there is a four way intersection, head straight through and you will end up at Peninsula Park. Keep in mind that THIS TRAIL IS VERY HOT in the middle of summer. It is a must, that you bring your own water and keep your self well hydrated. Pack a backpack with frozen waters and cold waters, believe me, you will drink it all. Hopefully the frozen waters stay cold through your entire journey.
HAVE FUN and as always, be safe!
Additional Views from the Salmon Falls Bridge Trail
Thank you for taking the time to check out this trail. Again, if you have any questions about the Salmon Falls Bridge Walking Trail in El Dorado Hills, you can email Brenan at bg@frontstreetmedia.com. Brenan is an El Dorado Hills resident who runs a web design, graphic design and internet marketing company (Front Street Media) in the business parks in El Dorado Hills. Brenan is also an avid photographer and also runs his photography business alongside his web development company. If you have any any questions about the trail, please feel free to email him or call anytime.