A sanctuary of blue oak and meandering trails between Auburn and Lincoln, Hidden Falls Regional Park is poised to get bigger and even better.

A just-released draft plan proposes opening up an additional 961 acres to the public adjacent to the 221-acre, former Didion Ranch property.

The Didion Ranch land was opened three years ago to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.

Placer County’s plan, which provides a blueprint for an expansion long in the works, proposes 14 more miles of new multi-use trails and the retention of 10 miles of existing ranch roads. The network would link the new area with the existing seven miles of Hidden Falls trails.

Fishing is also part of the draft environmental impact study. Fishing spots along Coon Creek and ponds would be developed in coordination with the state Department of Fish and Game. Interpretive programs, a group camping area and the development of an educational center in an existing ranch house are also proposed.

Park visitors Tuesday said they like what is already there, including the newly completed viewing platform at the 30-foot-high falls that gives the expanse of wooded open space its name.

Marie Rucker hiked into the Hidden Falls view site about 2 miles from the trailhead.

“They’ve done some really great improvements,” the Lincoln Hills resident said, her dusty but happy 14-year-old spaniel panting by her side. “With the breeze and the shade, it was actually delightful today.”

Bill Clark, also of Lincoln Hills and a former Department of Fish and Game employee, said that he was impressed with the improvements and additions he has noticed at the park since the last time he was there.

“Everything is safe and secure,” Clark added. “You don’t have to worry about things getting ripped off from your car.”

Granite Bay’s Howard Stoltz and Carol Clark of Citrus Heights celebrated his birthday with a picnic. They’ve been hiking the trails since the park opened in the fall of 2006.

“I like the differences in the lengths of the trails – you can saunter or go farther out,” Stoltz said. “And it’s well maintained.”

In mid-afternoon, the paved parking lot at the park contained six vehicles. On weekends, the park is much busier, with horse trailers jockeying for spots with cars of cyclists and walkers.

Carol Clark said the park is still relatively undiscovered.

“If it gets too big, maybe it will be discovered,” Clark said. “We’ll continue to use it until that happens.”

The new plan provides for increased park use, with more permanent restroom facilities, wells, drinking fountains and an expanded parking lot.

A group camping area with fire pits, tent site and even bunkhouses would allow overnight use.

Also built into the plan are provisions for cross-country training and meets where less than 200 visitors would be expected.

Sacramento’s Zack Phillips said the big attraction for him is the waterfall. The trail to Hidden Falls was closed when he traveled with a group last January to the park. The work to add a platform and steps is now completed.

“We’re big waterfall fans and I think this will probably be a favorite for us,” Phillips said.

Sophia Cook-Phillips, also of Sacramento, added that she really likes the silence of the park.

The draft plan is open for a 45-day public review period. It’s posted on the county Web site at placer.ca.gov. Copies are also slated to be available at Auburn and Lincoln libraries.

To acquaint residents with the plan, the county is holding an informational workshop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Mt. Pleasant Hall, 3333 Mt. Pleasant Road, in Lincoln.

A public hearing on the environmental impact report will be heard before the Placer County Planning Commission at 10:50 a.m. July 9 at 3091 County Center Drive in North Auburn.

Gus Thomson can be reached at gust@goldcountrymedia.com.