Hidden Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn, California. It is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene escape from urban life.
The Setting
Hidden Falls sits at 558 feet within Hidden Falls Regional Park, in the foothills of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Hidden Falls is well-maintained and winds through oak woodlands and rolling hills. It features moderate elevation gain and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is popular among hikers, runners, and families.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hidden Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A parking reservation acts as a permit for access to the park. Reservations can be made online through the official park website.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hidden Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Hidden Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rains. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails to avoid poison oak and steep drop-offs. Carry plenty of water, especially during hot weather. Be aware of wildlife and check for ticks after your hike.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork American River A North Fork Dam Ca, 8.5 miles away, not on Hidden Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
59 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
0.39 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NF AMERICAN R A NORTH FORK DAM CA (14 km away).
Today
Moderate
59 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
58 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
58 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
68 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
78 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
80 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
81 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Auburn hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hidden Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Hidden Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 74°F to 56°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 63 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 131 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 566 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 43 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 39 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 566 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 131 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hidden Falls Regional Park is located near Auburn, California. The park is accessible via Highway 49 and is well-signposted. Visitors should follow directions to the park's main entrance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Hidden Falls Regional Park, but reservations are required to secure a parking spot due to high visitor demand. Parking fees may apply.
Elevation
558 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.966159° N, -121.177628° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Make a parking reservation in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, as the park can get crowded. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and be prepared for moderate elevation changes. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking.
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With 4.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lincoln-Roseville Area by IHG
Westhaven Inn Pollock Pines Camino
La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Lincoln
Blissful Acres hilltop cottage
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Englebright Lake Boat-In Campground
19.4 miles away · 51 sites
Overview Englebright Lake is nestled in the steep Yuba River canyon, of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This location offers a unique boat-in camping experience, several species of sport fish, abundant wildlife, and year round water-based recreational activities for enthusiasts and families alike. Located between Grass Valley and Yuba City off State Route 20. Recreation Englebright Lake is a destination fishery, providing anglers with a variety of options including small and large mouth bass, trout
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Auburn State Recreation Area and the historic town of Auburn, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Be cautious of ticks and snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Hidden Falls
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