New York Canyon Falls

Location

New York Canyon Falls: 39.2022 N, 120.5104 W

Middle New York Canyon Falls: 39.1925 N, 120.5097 W

West New York Canyon Falls: 39.2020 N, 120.5145 W

USGS Topo: Duncan Peak

Directions

Take exit #121 (Foresthill Road) from I-80 near Auburn and follow Foresthill Road northeast for ~42.3 miles. Turn left at Sailor Flat and follow the dirt road down (staying left at the intersection) for ~1.4 miles and turn left. Go ~400 feet and park on the side of the road. From here, make your way up to the top of the ridge (~200' in elevation gain) to the northwest (no trail) and then follow the ridge line downhill (this ridge is referred to as "Macklin Ridge" by Leon Turnbull). As the ridge line gets close to the creek (~1260' in elevation loss from the top) there will be some rock outcroppings which you'll have to make your way around. You should cross the creek ~250 feet upstream of the waterfall where there is a burned log laying across the creek (~1.0 mile into the hike). After you cross, make your way up the ridge to the northwest (~185' in elevation gain) and then downhill along the thin ridge line towards "Chert Knoll" (~300' in elevation loss). There's a nice side-view of the main waterfall a little ways before reaching the southern base of Chert Knoll (uphill). Continue down to "Chert Knoll" for a nice straight-on view of the main waterfall (~1.3 miles into the hike). The West Falls are visible from the western side of "Chert Knoll". To get a view of the Middle Falls you'll have to leave "Macklin Ridge" early on in the hike to the west and make your way downhill (very steep) until you can see the waterfall. Although this is only a ~2.6 miles roundtrip hike (not including side-trip to see the Middle Falls) it will take much longer than a typical ~2.6 mile hike because there is ~1950' in overall elevation gain/loss, not to mention no trail. Therefore, if you plan on taking this on bring plenty of water, a good map & compass (and know how to use them), and plenty of energy. Also, make sure not to leave "Macklin Ridge" too early, because you'll find dense brush and a much more difficult hike.

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