We welcomed the new year with a massive storm in California. Basically it was 2 weeks straight of wind, flooding, and lots of snow. It’s great because California definitely needed some rain, but being stuck inside for 2 weeks can make one go a little crazy. So when we got a break in the weather, we decided to take advantage of it and get outside. We packed the kids and the backpacks up and went to a local spot called Hidden Falls we discovered when we first moved here.
Hidden Falls is nestled back in the outskirts of Auburn – a little old gold mining town about 3o minutes from us. The hike to the falls is a relatively moderate 3 mile loop with a switch back for the first half and then you follow along the river for the second with a few ups and downs. You have the option of going back the same way on the way back or continuing the loop on a gravel road that leads you back to the trailhead. There are several trails that connect to the main trail as well so there’s plenty to explore if you want to hike a little more.
It was a little chilly when we got to the trailhead, but gosh it just felt so good to be outside in some sunshine after being cooped up. I know the kids were happy to get out as well. We bought a hiking carrier for my daughter at the beginning of last year when we decided we were going to start hiking more. We took a trip to our local REI and tried on a few with her and ended up going with the Deuter kid comfort pro. We loved how comfortable it was and how easy to use. It comes with a removable sun shade as well as an extra small bag that clips to the front and is perfect for extra necessities like snacks, diapers, etc. We’ve done a couple of hikes with her in it and as toddlers do, she gets a little squirmy at some point and wants to get out. But she generally loves just getting to hangout and enjoy the view. Plus she’s fallen asleep in it a couple of times which is a big deal for the girl that has FOMO.
I love hiking so much and did a lot of it before having kids. After having my daughter, I put it on pause because I got into the cycle of nap times schedules and honestly being a little scared about things going wrong if I took her. Looking back now though, I wish I would have done it. I made a promise to myself after having my son that I would start getting out there again and it’s one I’ve kept. He skipped his second nap that day, and both him and his sister were a little cranky towards the end, but we survived. I’m learning that when hiking with kids, you kind of just have to go with the flow. Not so easy for this control freak. But it’s something I’m okay working on if it means that I get to be out on the trail doing something I love. And while they may get a little cranky at certain points, I firmly believe that we all just thrive better with being outside. And honestly we just live in such a sweet spot where were surrounded by so many different trails to hike and explore no matter the time of year that there’s really no reason why we shouldn’t be. I would much rather be out here than inside any day. And I like to think that they would too.
Have you hiked Hidden Falls yourself or have been wanting too? Or do you have a fave go to hike in the surrounding area? Let me know in the comments (:
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