On this trip we were lucky enough to have my sister and her girls come along for our first hike to Knickerbocker Creek. The creek was flowing pretty good and the water was so refreshing. There were Bullfrog Tadpoles in different stages of evolution, some with legs and some with hats and canes. The children spyed an orange salamander as well.
The Knickerbocker Trailhead in found right behind the Cool Fire Station on Hwy 49. From Sacramento take Hwy 80 East to Hwy 49 South, go through downtown Auburn and as you head down to the Confluence you will see signs for Cool. I believe it is 6 miles from the Hwy 49 and Borland Ave. As you come into Cool the fire station will be on your right. If you get to the 3 way light you have gone too far. Turn right onto Cave Valley Road and you will see the Knickerbocker Trailhead sign.
From the gates to Knickerbocker Creek is about 3 miles. From the parking area follow the paved road past the green gates. About 2 miles down the paved road you will need to keep an eye out for the Olmstead Loop Trail. The trail will go across the road and you will need to go left onto the trail. Where the road and trail meet you need to stay up to the right, do not go down the trail that goes through the field. The creek is about another mile or so from here. The hardest part of the hike is the first 1/4 mile coming back from the creek up the trail. Enjoy.
Kids Corner
I loved this hike. We saw people on horses and big slimey bullfrog tadpols. We were deep in the water and deep in the woods. It was a long hike almost 6 miles. Our cousins were there as well.
Jaelyn
Have a great 4th of July.
Uncle Leo
Copy and paste the URL below in your for a map of the location.
Knickerbocker Creek: http://g.co/maps/qfbt
Cool: http://g.co/maps/zkcg
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