This is a pretty but short hike to Codfish Creek Falls from the Ponderosa road bridge over the American River. The road exits from highway 80 at Wiemar Cross Road. Head right and down. The road is extremely narrow and is dirt for quite a bit. If you a have a wide car or can't back or have vertigo I would not recommend this road. It was relatively good this weekend but could easily become very rutted and not safe for low clearance. The trail is well marked, although the start isn't...stay on the Wiemar side of the river and head downstream. At just a bit past a mile there are some use trails that lead into what looks like a meadow. Don't take these. Stay on the trail to the right just at the tree line. After another couple 10's of a mile you'll be at the falls. In a wet year the falls will be more exciting. On the other hand, in a wet year the road might be a bit too exciting. I would recommend following the meadow use trails on the way back. They lead to the American River with some nice places to sit and stare at the water.
We hiked it late on Sunday. It was sunny but rain was expected. In spite of the rough drive, the late weekend, and the unsettled weather there were many hikers. I would not call this a very wild and scenic trip. Commando did pick up one tick.
