Salmon Falls Bridge from Skunk Hollow launch area

I’ve driven past the Acorn Creek Trailhead on Salmon Falls Road many times over the years but never stopped to check it out — mostly because it didn’t seem especially inviting during the heat of a summer day. But a reasonably wet January is a different matter, so a week ago I took my dog and headed out, not really knowing what to expect. We didn’t get very far; after I hopped across the creek a couple of times I balked at the third crossing. It was just wide enough that I couldn’t jump it and just deep enough (and swift enough) that I was sure I would wind up sitting in the middle of the creek. Not to be defeated, I bought some waterproof boots and went back this past weekend.

After the third crossing, the trail winds uphill through oak woodland in a series of switchbacks, continuing amid dense brush and Manzanita along the ridge top. Since I wasn’t quite sure where I was heading, I turned right when we reached a fork. There was a gate separating the multi-use trail that dropped down to the left and the no-horses area that continued further up the ridge. The views were really nice from up here, especially with the morning fog slowly burning off and leaving a bright cloudless sky.

Even after the fork, I imagined we were hiking due east, parallel to the South Fork of the American River. So I got quite a surprise when we paused at the outside bend of a downhill switchback and I spotted something that looked extremely familiar. I found myself looking down at Folsom Lake and the Salmon Falls Bridge — which I had driven over on my way to the Acorn Creek Trailhead. Maybe it was because I hadn’t had lunch yet, but it took me a little while to realize we had crossed the ridge and were now coming down the other side, walking west instead of east. On the plus side, at least we weren’t heading off into the unknown!

We did see quite a few other people on the trail since it was the weekend. There were mountain bikers — all very polite and friendly — as well as trail runners and people with dogs. Some of them must have started from the Skunk Hollow parking lot, and we met some of these a second time on our way back to our own starting point.

Footbridge over Acorn Creek near Skunk Canyon

All Trails rates the trail between Skunk Hollow and the Acorn Creek Trailhead as moderate difficulty, with a length of about 4.6 miles. Since we hiked out and back, we doubled that length and got a nice workout! I enjoyed hiking this trail, and I’m sure the dog also had a good time; but I think if/when we go back I’ll try it mid week when it might be less populated. I’ll also be sure to remember my lunch next time!