To Start
From Grass Valley go west on Highway 20, towards Marysville, for 12.5
miles.
Turn left at the Beale Air Force Base sign onto Smartville Road.
Go 1 mile and take the left fork and continue on Smartville Road for
3.8 miles
to Waldo Road. Turn left onto Waldo Road for 1.8 miles to the Waldo
Bridge.
Cross the bridge and continue to the left along Spenceville Road
for 2.3 miles
until you arrive at the turnout and trail head by an old concrete bridge.
Parking
Lots of parking is available at the trail head.
Hiking Distance
Shingle Falls is about 2.5 miles, and the trails are well maintained.
Features
The hike to the falls takes approximately one hour. Some ride bicycles
(downhill looks easier).
This hike is best in the springtime, but the trail is open all year
round.
Each season offers a variety of great things to see.
Over 175 species of birds inhabit the area.
The trail head is located just about a half hour from Grass Valley.
The Waldo Bridge, located at the trail head, was built in 1901 to serve
the now extinct towns of Waldo and Spenceville.
A creek along the hike |
Picturesque Rock |
Open meadow |
Pasture of flowers |
More flowers |
Typical scene |
Wildflowers |
Typical scene |
Typical scene |
Shingle Falls |
Shingle Falls |
Shingle Falls (well worth the hike) |
Looking down from the top of the falls |
Rapids right above the falls |
Wildflowers |
Hiking trail |
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