Restoring abandoned trail segments to original grade and overtopping with forest duff and branches for sediment/erosion controlĬlass 1 includes the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public facilities, including pedestrian trails and topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use Class 3 includes the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small structures and Class 4 includes minor alterations in the condition of land that do not involve removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees, including minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. Extending the trail from its current terminus near the viewing platform downslope to the Sacramento River (☒45 linear feet). Installing a retaining wall immediately east of the viewing platform, which will serve to raise the trail so it is flush with the platform (the current platform includes steps). Re-routing the trail east of the viewing platform (☑65 linear feet). Replacing a failed traction mat immediately south of the falls with crushed basalt (±50 linear feet) supplementing existing dacite rock behind and immediately north of the falls with crushed basalt (☑05 linear feet).
Extending two switchbacks located midway between the trailhead and the falls (☒70 linear feet). Installing a retaining wall (☑05 linear feet) to achieve the necessary grade for switchback construction to the east. Installing a free-span pedestrian bridge immediately downslope of the above referenced culvert. Cutting back an existing culvert (utilized/maintained by Caltrans), and installing rip-rap in the stream channel. Installing a drinking fountain drain downslope of the gazebo. Moving the trailhead south of its current location and realigning the trail west of an existing gazebo (☒50 linear feet). The purpose of the Project is to provide ADA accessibility. There is a resting bench located about halfway down the zig-zagging path from the parking area to the falls, and another at the base of the falls itself. At the trailhead, enjoy cool fresh mountain spring water on tap at the rock fountain.The Project includes improvements and minor modifications to the existing Hedge Creek Falls Trail. The trail is well-maintained, although it will be slippery when wet. Park there the trail to the falls begins next to a rock fountain that overlooks the Sacramento River canyon. Take an immediate right on the frontage road at the bottom of the offramp you will see a small park and parking area on your left.
To get to Hedge Creek Falls from Weed, go south on Interstate 5 to the first exit for Dunsmuir. It is a beautiful and surreal experience.
On the rare occasions when Hedge Creek is full and overflowing, multiple streams cascade down the cliff face. History has it that stage coach robbers used to use the back side of the falls as a hiding place while waiting for the stage to pass above them. On a hot day, it would be great to take a shower under the waterfall. It is possible to walk right in behind the falls, and reach out your hand and feel the water coming down. Just off of I-5, it is a great little pit stop to make if you are driving through the town of Dunsmuir. Hedge Creek Falls is located a short walk down a well-maintained path.