Dutch Creek and Johntown Falls (El Dorado County, California)

Having brought my wine group to Placerville, CA for the weekend to enjoy the El Dorado Passport, I thought I would try to convince those I was rooming with, Michael, Ann, and Kendall to join me for a short hike to get our blood pumping. I had reviewed some of the local hikes prior to the trip and suggested the trail along Dutch Creek to Johntown Falls. I had no specific experience with this trail, but the waterfall looked nice and it seemed easy and short enough that anyone of reasonable fitness would have an easy time.

Driving the ten or so miles to the Marshall Gold Strike State Park, we quickly found a place to park just up the road from the trail head. We put on our hiking boots and started up the short trail. In the distance, a large green hill overlooks the creek. A sign indicates the trail is not maintained, as it just outside the park boundaries, but it still well worn. The creek has washed away much of the hillside and the trail itself now passes very close to a steep muddy drop off. As long as one is careful though, its still a safe route.

As we make our way up the shallow grade, I notice a number of California newts crossing our path. My friends stop to admire the little guys for a minute, but we do our best not to disturb them. A couple of side trails break off, but quickly disappear. It doesn't take us long to find the right path in these situations. Of more concern are the short steep inclines. With recent rains, the trail is fairly muddy and some of these little climbs are a little challenging. 

Below us, the creek thunders away. We can see piles of river stones, presumably used by gold-seekers in decades past to dam or partially dam up the creek. After about a mile, we finally find the steep climb down to the base of the double waterfall. This is is the steepest descent yet and will likely be the most challenging climb back up in a few minutes. 

The waterfall itself is flowing well. The stream splits into a double fall, each dropping about 15-20 feet before hitting a large pool and then continuing downstream along a number of rocky obstacles. We take a few minutes for pictures and then eventually start making our way back to the car. In total, we hiked just shy of 2 miles, but it was a great way to start the day and I think my companions enjoyed themselves.