Went with a group of scouts for a day hike. Parked in the lot near the dam and walked to 428, had lunch and came back. The "improved" trail on the west side of the creek is fairly nice. It is mostly packed gravel and dirt but does have concrete in some sections. There are a few shade spots near the creek as you head south within 1.6 miles of the dam. The best place is by the Bonnie & Clyde Bridge. After that, there is little shade right on the trail until you reach 428. There are a few picnic tables at the 428 rest area, along with a bathroom and potable water from the water fountains. Along the trail there is no potable water at all, so pack what you need to get to 428. Cell service is pretty good along the trail.
NOTE: The native trail on the east side of the creek is undergoing rennovation from errosion at the time of this post. Our crew went .5 miles or so down the trail on that side before we found out it was closed; hence the 11 miles trekked.