Salmon Falls (historical)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
There is no waterfall to visit here. Salmon Falls and the Gold Rush town named for it were flooded by Folsom Lake in the 1950s; old foundations, roads and the old Salmon Falls Bridge show only when the lake is very low.
About Salmon Falls (historical)
Salmon Falls was a set of falls on the South Fork of the American River that gave its name to a Gold Rush mining town in El Dorado County, California. Both were flooded when Folsom Dam created Folsom Lake, and the site is under water for much of the year. At low lake levels, old foundations, roads and the old Salmon Falls Bridge become reachable, but there is no waterfall to see.
The Setting
Salmon Falls (historical) sits at 430 feet within Folsom Lake, in the coastal lowlands of California.
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
The original falls are under Folsom Lake. In low-water years you may see the old Salmon Falls Bridge and town foundations; please leave any artifacts in place.
Accessibility
Trails in the area are not fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Salmon Falls (historical)?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Salmon Falls (historical)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for visiting due to mild weather and vibrant scenery. Summer can be hot, but the proximity to Folsom Lake offers opportunities for water-based activities.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious of poison oak, rattlesnakes, and uneven trail surfaces. During summer, high temperatures can lead to dehydration, so carry sufficient water. Avoid swimming in the river due to strong currents.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on American River A Fair Oaks Ca, 12.1 miles away, not on Salmon Falls (historical)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,260 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
6.16 ft
Water depth at gauge
59°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 59 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
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 AMERICAN R A FAIR OAKS CA (19 km away).
Today
Moderate
1361 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
1411 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
1262 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
1368 cfs
6/10Thu
Strong
1419 cfs
8/10Fri
Strong
1419 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
1478 cfs
8/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid June to early August, peaking in May.
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 Granite Bay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Salmon Falls (historical) Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Salmon Falls (historical) is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 53°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1250 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Parking
Parking is available near the Salmon Falls Bridge, with some designated areas for visitors. However, parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
430 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.759068° N, -121.069945° W
Land Management
Managed by USBR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends or during peak seasons. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy footwear, as some trails can be rocky or uneven. Be mindful of poison oak and wildlife in the area.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lincoln-Roseville Area by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites Rocklin - Roseville
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites El Dorado Hills by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Roseville Galleria Mall/Creekside Ridge Drive
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Dru Barner Campground
20.8 miles away · 0 sites
The campground is ideal for equestrian use, with four water troughs, several pull through spaces, and access to trails. The park provides day-use facilities for staging nonmotorized trails recreation.Location: 7.5 miles east of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road (Forest Road 1), then 1 mile north east on Forest Road 13N16 and 0.5 miles northwest on Forest Road 13N58.Dru Barner Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contain information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying you
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Folsom, California
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Folsom, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, El Dorado Hills, and the historic town of Coloma.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, wild turkeys, various bird species, and occasional sightings of coyotes or bobcats.
Cities near Salmon Falls (historical)
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