Jim and I recently took a hike to Codfish Falls, along the North Fork of the American River south of Weimar. The trail starts just south of where Ponderosa Way crosses the North Fork, in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Ponderosa Way winds nearly 6 miles from the freeway to the river, and the last 2.3 miles are unpaved. While we saw several passenger cars on the road, it's preferable to use a high clearance vehicle on the road.
The trail's about 3 miles round-trip, and well-marked. There are a few spots where the trail is fairly washed out and narrow, with drop-offs, but in general it's in good shape. There's little elevation gain, except for perhaps 150 feet approaching the falls.
The falls themselves are very attractive, with a lovely shady pool and grotto below. There wasn't much water on the first of June, but earlier in the spring the falls could put on quite a show.An added bonus - many and various wildflowers all along the trail.
One drawback is the flourishing poison oak which lines much of the trail. It's pretty much impossible to avoid brushing against it. Take a good scrub with detergent after the hike, and wash all items which might have brushed against the bushes.
