Waterford, CA
Waterford Riverwalk Park
Starts at the Waterford Riverwalk Park sign and the staircase down to the river trail, which runs out to the boat launch near 225 N Appling.
This one starts at the park sign and drops straight into the infamous staircase — a solid hill climb either direction. From the bottom, the trail follows the river past the water treatment facility, out to a dead end at the parking lot on N Appling, and down to the boat launch. Heading back, there's a stop under the Hickman Bridge to check out a makeshift dam, plus an unplanned detour along some rocky riverbank when a side trail dead-ended. If you're in the 209 and haven't run this one yet, it's worth the trip.
What I found along the way
Intro at the park sign
Starts right at the Waterford Riverwalk Park sign before heading down.
The infamous staircase
The staircase down to the trail — comes back up at the very end too, so it bookends the whole run.
Running down the staircase to start
Heading down the stairs to actually get the trail going.
First stop after the hill climb
A quick breather spot right after the climb down from the staircase.
S. Western Ave & Riverside Rd
This stretch of trail sits right above the water treatment facility.
Wildlife sign along the trail
A sign posted along the trail giving a heads-up on the wildlife you might run into out here.
End of trail — parking lot at 225 N Appling
This is where the main trail dead-ends into a parking lot.
Boat launch facility
The boat launch just past the N Appling parking lot — makes for a good turnaround point.
Under the Hickman Bridge — makeshift dam
On the way back, there's a stop under the Hickman Bridge where someone's put together a makeshift dam in the river. Worth a look.
Dead-end side trail + rocky riverbank backtrack
Followed a side trail that dead-ended, which meant backtracking along some rocky riverbank terrain instead of the main path.
Back at the staircase for the final climb
The staircase again, this time heading back up to close out the run.
More spots to check out
Questions about Waterford Riverwalk Park
Where does the Waterford Riverwalk Park trail start?+
At the park sign, right before the staircase that drops down to the river trail — a solid hill climb either direction.
Is there a big hill or staircase on this trail?+
Yes — it's known for a steep staircase down to the trail that you also have to climb back up, bookending the whole run.
Where does the trail end?+
It dead-ends at a parking lot off N Appling, near the boat launch — a good spot to turn around.
Is there wildlife to watch for on the trail?+
Yes, there's a sign posted along the trail giving a heads-up on the wildlife you might run into.
What's under the Hickman Bridge?+
A makeshift dam someone's put together in the river — worth a stop on the way back.
Filmed by Roger Jones — September 12, 2026.
Thinking about a neighborhood near Waterford Riverwalk Park? Here's how buying works in the 209.