Rafting Trips

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There are four single day trips on the American River from Sacramento:

American River North Fork from Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge, Class IV

American River Middle Fork from Oxbow Dam to Drivers Flat Road (Old Greenwood bridge ruins), Class IV

American River South Fork from Chili Bar Dam to Camp Lotus, mile 0 to mile 9, Class III

American River South Fork from Henningsen-Lotus Park to Salmon Falls Bridge, mile 8 to mile 20, Class III

 

Trinity River Area

(1)  The Trinity from Pigeon Point to Big Flat  (5 miles, class IV-)

(2)  The Trinity from Hayden Flat to Cedar Flat  (7 miles, class II+)

(3)  The Trinity from Hawkins Bar to Salyer (7 miles, class II).

(4)  The Klamath from Ti Bar to Green Riffle (8 miles, class II).

(5)  The Klamath from Red Cap Road to Weitchpec (12 miles, class III-).

(6)  The Trinity from the Hwy 299 Bridge at Hoopa to Weitchpec (10.5 miles, class II+).

(7)  The Trinity from Willow Creek to Tish Tang campground (10 miles, class II+).

(8)  Douglas city to Junction city

 
The following are overnight trips:

American River North Fork Generation and Giant Gap, Class V

American River North Fork Giant Gap, Class V

Yuba River North Fork, Class V and IV

Tuolumne River, Class V and IV

 

General Information Documents                             

Rafting Calendar
Rafting General Trip Information
Rafting River Rating System
Rafting Waiver and Signoff
Packing List

Rafting Clothing Inventory

Equipment Inventory

River Ratings System

Glossary

Directions to my house

Paddlers List

California Floaters Society Description.pdf

California Floaters Society Application & Waiver.pdf

Rafting Resume Kim K. Andregg

Resume Kim K. Andregg

 

Sea Kayaking Trips

Bicycling Trips

River Trips in progress

Dog Walks

PDF's and Miscellaneous Information

  1. Horsetail Falls hrstail1.jpg hrstail2.jpg I Wish These Were Brains.jpg

  2. Sailor Flat  Sailor Flat

  3. Redwood Canyon in the Napa area, Devil's Hole with spectacular waterfall

  4. Mt. St. Helena New Palisades Trail

  5. BigTrees-GrouseROG.pdf

  6. Bullards Bartrail.pdf

  7. Chimney Rock Trail.pdf

  8. Foresthill District Trails.pdf

  9. Grouse Map.pdf

  10. Lock Leven Lakes Trail.pdf

  11. Long Canyon.pdf

  12. Mt. Judah Loop.pdf

  13. North of the Middle Fork American Trail.pdf

  14. Palisade Trail.pdf

  15. PCT Barker Pass.pdf

  16. PCT Mt. Judah.pdf

  17. PCT Richardson Lake.pdf

  18. PCT Sand Lake Trail Ridge.pdf

  19. PCT Tinkersknob.pdf

  20. PCT Twinpeaks.pdf

  21. Pioneertrailrog.pdf

  22. South Yuba Trail_rog.pdf

  23. Duncan Peak rog.pdf

  24. Highway 49 Campgrounds.pdf

  25. Middle and North Fork Yuba Campgrounds.pdf

  26. Lost Camp Trail

  27. http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_national_forest/ca/bik_taho.htm

  28. http://home.inreach.com/rtowle/NorthFork/North_Fork_American.html

  29. South Yuba River Trail Descriptions.pd

  30. Foresthill_ChinaWallWinter.pdf

  31. Foresthill_ohv_map.pdf

  32. El_Dorado_Forest-03-05-07_north.pdf

  33. El_Dorado_Forest-03-05-07_south.pdf

  34. Feather River trails.pdf

Sorted list of pdf's

 

BigTrees-GrouseROG.pdf
big_res.pdf
bullardsbartrail.pdf
chimneyrocktr.pdf
ChinaWallWinter.pdf
duncanpeakrog.pdf
dv_sv_tk_snow_trails.pdf
El_Dorado_Forest-03-05-07_north.pdf
El_Dorado_Forest-03-05-07_south.pdf
Feather River trails.pdf
Foresthill District Trails.pdf
Foresthill_ChinaWallWinter.pdf
Foresthill_ohv_map.pdf

fr_bald_mountain.pdf

fr_big_bald_rock.pdf

fr_butte_bar.pdf

fr_dome.pdf

fr_featherfalls_infomap.pdf

fr_hartman_north.pdf

fr_hartman_south.pdf

fr_lakeshore.pdf

fr_mountain_house.pdf

fr_sky_high.pdf

fr_table_rock.pdf

gcw_map.pdf
giant_gap_cg.pdf
grousemap.pdf
hwy49camprog.pdf
Lock Leven Lakes Trail.pdf
longcanyon.pdf
m.soyubamapsm00.pdf
mid_no_yubacamprog.pdf
mtjudahloop.pdf
North of the Middle Fork American Trail.pdf
palisade_tr.pdf
pctbarkerpass.pdf
pctmtjudah.pdf
pctrichardsonlake.pdf
pctsandridge.pdf
pcttinkersknob.pdf
pcttwinpeaks.pdf
pioneertrailrog.pdf
shirttail_cg.pdf
soyuba_handout_NT2000web-Distiller.pdf
steephollowxcmap.pdf
s_yuba_tr_rog.pdf
wintersportsrog.pdf

 

Hiking and Swimming (family trips, kids, dog, welcome)

 

Swimming Hole Ratings Legend

Overall rating: Excellent, Good, Fair

Approach: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

The Company: Kids, Dogs, Boom Box, Alternative Cloths Opptional

Aesthetics: Water quality, Geometric, Wavy, Jagged

 

Shasta / Trinity Area  

South Fork Trinity River Hell Gate

New River

    The Grotto

    Octopus

    Virgin Pool

Canyon  Creek Falls

North Fork Trinity River 

        Paradise Pools

McCloud Falls, excellent, easy, kid safe

This is a overnight trip to the Redding area. Leave for Redding Friday night, either camp or motel in McCloud. We will spend Saturday at McCloud Falls and return Saturday night.

 

Chico, Paradise & the Feather River

Lower Rock Creek, good, intermediate, dog friendly

Middle Rock Creek, classic, intermediate, dog friendly

Upper Rock Creek, excellent, advanced, clothes optional

Grizzly Creek, excellent

Big Chico Creek

    Browns Hole, good, beginner

    Salmon Hole

    Bear Hole

Big Kimshew Creek

    Kimshew Falls, good, beginner

    GPS N 39 degrees 52.795', W 121 degrees 30.476'

    Yellow Dog, excellent, advanced

Little North Fork, classic, intermediate

Butte Creek

Buzzard's Roost

Cleghorn Off Highway Vehicle Camp, excellent, advanced, clothes optional, dog friendly

    Middle Fork Feather river

    Too many excellent swimming holes to list (as far as your feet can carry you in either direction on the river).

    GPS N 39 degrees 19.064', W 121 degrees 03.053'

Milsap Bar

    Middle Fork Feather river

    Too many excellent swimming holes to list (as far as your feet can carry you in either direction on the river).

    GPS N 39 degrees 42.992', W 121 degrees 16.127' elevation / altitude 1615 feet

    GPS coordinates are just up from the bridge at Milsap Bar about 1/4 mile to another 4x4 accessible campground.

Indian Creek

Indian Falls, located off Highway 89 south of Crescent Mills, is worth taking the steep 100 yard trail to view.  The trail also leads to a favorite local swimming hole on Indian Creek. 

 

Located just north of the Junction of Highway 70 and Highway 89, Indian Falls is the first of the small towns you will see when entering Indian Valley from this direction. The town features a favorite swimming spot of the local residents. Indian Falls is also home to the Dawn Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes organic gardening, education and more. The institute features a community center, which sits above the apple orchard visible from the highway, and a horticultural center on Indian Falls Road. During the harvest season, the center features organic produce sales each Saturday morning.

 

The Motherlode

 

Pauley Creek

http://www.creekin.net/paulavez.htm

 

Lavezzola Creek

http://www.creekin.net/lavezzol.htm

 

North Yuba River

Wild Plum Falls

Mammoth Hole, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.

Cherokee Creek, excellent, intermediate, clothes optional.

Downieville bridge, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.

Lovers Falls

 

Middle Fork Yuba River

Strawberry Hole, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.  See directions for Mushroom.  Pictures 32 thru 38 Strawberry

 

Mushroom Hole, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional, Pictures Mushroom Rock.  For Mushroom Rock take Moonshine Creek Road 1 mile from the intersection at the Middle Yuba Bridge.  Park being sure not to block any driveways.  There's lots of private property, so obey all signs.  Look for a trail on the left.  The river is 1/2 mile downhill and downstream. You will find an overused hole name Strawberry.  Mushroom Rock is 250 yards farther downstream.  Mushroom Rock is at 39 degrees 22' 40" North, 121 degrees 05' 58" West GPS.  Mushroom Rock trailhead is at 

GPS N 39*14.800', W 121*08.756' * = degrees.

 

Oregon Creek, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.

 

S. F. Yuba River

All the sites on the S. F. Yuba river receive at best an intermediate rating because of the poor quality of the water in the canyon.  The canyon is populated with houses the entire way from the headwaters.

m.soyubamapsm00.pdf

s_yuba_tr_rog.pdf

soyuba_handout_NT2000web-Distiller.pdf    

  1. North Canyon, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.

  2. Mountain Dog, fair, beginner, dog friendly, clothes optional.

  3. Highway 49 bridge, fair, beginner, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.

  4. Purdon road bridge, fair, beginner, easy, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  Pictures Purdon Bridge area.

  5. China Dam, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  GPS N 39*11.734', W 120*34.055', east of Purdon road bridge (up river, 20 minutes) 1705 altitude.  Pictures 10 thru 22, 34 thru 40 China Dam area.

  6. Round Mountain Trail, end of trail, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  50 minutes walking from Purdon bridge, 75 minutes from Edwards crossing.  This is close to the end of the round mountain trail.  Pictures 23 thru 33 Round Mountain area. 

  7. Five Pools, 40 minutes from Edwards Crossing, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  30 minutes walking from trail end of Round Mountain.  Five Pools are "killer", the third pool is the nicest, all the pools are great.  GPS N 39*19.607', W 121*00.296' * = degrees.  Pictures 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 72 thru 85, Five Pools area.

  8. Edwards Crossing North Bloomfield / Graniteville road bridge, fair, beginner, kid safe, dog friendly.  Pictures 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 70, 85 Edwards Crossing area.

  9. Missouri Bar Trail, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  Top of the trail GPS N 39*21.650' altitude 3676, W 120*53.563  swimming hole at the end of Missouri Bar trail GPS N 39*20.739', W 120*53.114' altitude 2300, * = degrees.  Pictures  Missouri Bar area.

  10. Humbug Trail and Primitive Camp, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  Pictures 88 thru 100 Humbug Trail area.

  11. Washington road bridge, fair, beginner, kid safe, dog friendly.

  12. Bowman Lake road 18N18 bridge

  13. Emerald Pools, S. F. Yuba, GPS N 39*21.46', W 120*46.95' * = degrees  http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=39.2146&lon=-120.4695&s=200&size=s

  14. Acid Rock Highway 49 good, beginner, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  On Hoyt trail approximately 35 minutes walking, 1.5 miles, 10 minutes walking past the Hoyt trail crossing sign.  GPS N 39*18.364', W 121*00.588' * = degrees.  Pictures 101 thru 123 Acid Rock area.

  15. Long Beach N 39* 19.064' W 121* 03.053

  16. Club Med N 39* 18.747' W 121* 02.973'

  17. Portage downstream from Hwy 49 bridge N 39* 17.722' W 121* 05.726' South Fork Yuba Portage 49 Bridge

  18. Deer Creek Waterfalls and Pools

    excellent, beginner, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  From Grass Valley, take Hwy 20 towards Marysville. Turn right at the intersection of Hwy 20 and Pleasant Valley Road.  Follow Pleasant Valley Road to Bitney Springs Road and turn right.  Two miles (by my odometer) you will come to the Intersection of Bitney Springs and North Ponderosa Road.  Turn right on North Ponderosa and go over a small rise (about 500 yards) and you will see a North Ponderosa road going down the hill into the brush.  Find a parking place here.  North Ponderosa road down hill is abandoned and on private property.  You will come to a gate at about another 300 yards down the road, continue on.  You will be able to see shortly after crossing the gate Deer Creek Waterfalls and Pools.  When the road starts to flatten out start looking for a trail to the right down.  If you walk all the way to were the road crosses Deer Creek you have missed the trail.  Total walking time to Deer Creek Waterfalls and Pools, approximately 35 minutes.  GPS N 39*14.800', W 121*08.756' * = degrees  Map: Dear Creek/Deer Creek Falls.   Pictures  Dear Creek Dear Creek area.

     

North Fork American River

  1. Ponderose Bridge, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly

  2. Upper Lake Clementine, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly

  3. Clementine Pools, below the dam, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly

  4. Euchre Bar and Blue Canyon, North Fork American river, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly

  5. Vertigo, excellent, advanced, dog friendly, clothes optional. Vertigo 39 degrees 13' 18" North, 120 degrees 31' 35" West.  Take the Foresthill Divide Road east through the Tahoe National Forest up to Sailor Flat.  Descend the fire road to trail 13E30 (Sailor Flat trail).  The Trail steepens as it descends more then 2,500 feet to trail 13E25 (American River North Fork trail) which parallels the North Fork of the American River.  You can turn upstream to Vertigo or enjoy some of the lesser pools downstream from the spur trail.

  6. Canyon Bottom 39 degrees 13' 01" North, 120 degrees 29' 50" West

  7. Yankee Jim's Bridge, excellent, easy, kid safe, dog friendly

  8. Beacroft Falls Swimming Hole  

  9. Little Granite Falls off Sailor Flat

  10. 16 Minute And The Big Snag Swimming Hole Length 130 ft., two pools,  depth 5 to 20 ft., two good diving rocks, water quality, it doesn't get better, privacy excellent.

There are numerous other swimming holes between Beacroft, Mumford, and Italian bar trailheads.

 

Confluence of the North and Middle Fork American River (down stream), fair, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.

No Hands Bridge Hole, fair, easy, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.

Just below No Hands bridge, fair, easy, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.  Extremely large and deep swimming hole (150 yards), several diving rocks, depths to 25 feet, water quality good.

Middle  Fork American River

Murders Bar fair, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.

Rocky-A-Chucky Driver Flat Bridge fair, easy, kid safe, dog friendly.

Volcano Ville fair, easy, kid safe, dog friendly, clothes optional.

 

El Dorado Creek

Bramble Berry, fair, advanced, dog friendly, clothes optional.

Rubicon River

Long Canyon, excellent, easy, kid safe, Rubicon river longcanyon.pdf

Pilot Creek

University Falls, fair, intermediate, kid safe, dog friendly.

From Georgetown take forest service road 1 (Georgetown Divide Rd.) through Quintette.  Park at the first left after Quintette (there is a large yellow gate at the top of the dirt road descending to Pilot Creek) and descend on foot or by bike two miles into the Blodgett Experimental Forest. You'll parallel a water flume, a diversion of Pilot Creek.  The real Pilot Creek is to the north.  Continue parallel to the creek about 1/4 mile and look for a descending path.

GPS N 38*55.49', W 120*39.08'

 

Traverse Creek

Candy Rock

 

Other Trips (day and overnight trips)

 

Soda Springs, The Cedars and the upper North Fork American

 

This is a day / over night trip to Soda Springs (the long way) from Foresthill (Foresthill divide area) going up Forest Service road 17N12. The trip starts in Foresthill and ends in Soda Springs. This trip can be an overnight in Soda Springs or camping anywhere along the way. This trip will include hikes along the North Fork American around the Cedars and detours to Old Soda Spring and other sites where road 17N12 comes close to the North Fork American.

 

Windy Point Trail North Fork American River

Windy Point Trail

Also called "Three-Mile Trail" and " Smile Trail", this obscure trail leads to the heart of the North Fork gorge.  The trail descends gradually enough at first through an old regrown burned area.  Windy Point quickly comes into view on the left--a large fortress=like rock outcropping that looks like it might attract roosting golden eagles.

    Hikers are rewarded with great views of the canyon and occasional glimpses of the river below.  About a mile down, the trail forks to the right and makes a steep descent to the river.  The  main trail continues on more gradually, bissecting steep canyon meadows with the unusual Harlequin lupine (purple and yellow) blooming in spring and early summer.  Ducking in and out of canyon shrub and oak forests and crossing streams, the main trail continues on, coming close to the river, vanishing, reappearing, and vanishing again.  It is possible this trail once went all the way from the Windy Point to Shirttail Creek Trail.

    Two tributary streams feed into the North Fork near the trail's end.  One is rocky and full of aquatic invertebrates, salamanders, and flecks of gold.  The other is sandy and full of the footprints of raccoons, squirrels, and other wild animals.  Huge woodwardia ferns grow in a grotto area and California sister butterflies drink from the moist sand.  The ever-present water ouzel has built its nest on a rocky ledge across the river.

Getting to the trailhead: Less than a mile up the Colfax-Iowa Hill road past Mineral Bar Campground on the right, two wooden posts mark a short dirt road.  The trail begins at the end of this road and often miners have vehicles parked here.

 

American Canyon Trail

 

Details

American Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles to river; 1 hour down, 2 hours up (hiking)
** Distance will be a little longer with due to the waterfall and old mining town stops**
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Allowed
Slope: 11% avg; 28% max. (see below)

The drive from Folsom to Cool is almost a reason in istelf to come.


Trailhead is on Pilgrim Way east of Cool. Take Hwy 49 south to Cool. Turn left on Hwy 193 at blinking red light and drive six miles. Turn left on Pilgrim Way and look for trailhead on right side just below the gated entrance to Auburn Lakes Trails development. Curbside parking is availa-ble along Pilgrim Way on both sides of trailhead.

American Canyon Trail

Description
This steep trail has everything you need for a great day of exploration ? rugged mountain canyons, a beautiful stream with waterfalls, a wide variety of plant and animal life, gold rush-era history, and panoramic views of the Middle Fork American River. This is an excellent hike for bird lovers and picture takers ? even artists with drawing pads and paint boxes. Remember your binoculars and camera, and don?t forget water and a lunch tucked into your backpack to enjoy while you savor the scenery.

The American Canyon Trail is densely treed along the first half, mostly with various species of oak and pine. Laurel, blackberry bushes, and poison oak can also be found along most of the trail. After the first mile, the trail gets more sunlight and will be hot in the summer ? early morning use is recommended.
This trail joins the historic Western States Trail (WST) for a short distance about ¾ miles from the trailhead (see sidebar). Take a right at the first trail intersection with the WST, and a left at the next intersection to stay on the American Canyon Trail.
About halfway down the trail is a plaque and shrine erected by friends and fellow joggers in memory of Barbara Schoener. The plaque describes the 1994 tragedy when Barbara was attacked and killed by a mountain lion while jogging alone on this trail. Many joggers now wear a small bell or whistle when they run on mountain trails, or they run with a friend.
About 1¾ miles from the top, a small, very steep and unmarked side trail on the left leads down to a very nice waterfall and a great pool where you can escape the heat on a hot summer day.
Returning to the main trail, just before it crosses American Canyon Creek, the terrain levels out at the site of an historic gold rush town, once home to thousands of miners but now almost com-pletely reclaimed by mother nature. If you look closely, you may spot a 30-foot high rock dam, hidden behind a pile of tailings, which was built by hand during the gold rush. Nearby, the confluence of the American and Hoboken Creeks offers a beautiful place to cool off while you watch numerous California newts (a.k.a. Firebellies) on the trail and in the pools.


American Canyon Creek Falls
Location: Auburn, Auburn State Recreation Area, Placer County
Height: ~20 ft.
Distance: 4.6 miles (RT)
Elevation: 1700 ft. (-1050 ft.)
Season: Dec-May
Difficulty: Moderate
Lat/Long: 38.93265N, 120.94084W

Waterfalls West

American Canyon Creek Falls is a very scenic and unique waterfall, nestled within a very narrow gorge along American Canyon Creek. It is only about 20 ft. high (or maybe not even that), but is a very interesting little waterfall.

It is a wonderful and fairly easy hike down to the Middle Fork of the American River, following the American Canyon Trail, along American Canyon Creek. The trail is well-graded, not too steep, and follows the creek through a pleasant forest. At about 1 mile, you will reach a trail junction. Turn right here, then go straight at the next junction a short distance later. A short while after crossing American Canyon Creek and Hoboken Creek, look for a steep unmarked side trail leading down to the creek. It is located at about 1.7 miles, immediately before you reach a third trail junction. A side spur trail from here leads down the bank to the waterfall. You need to jump across the creek to see it.

There are some things you need to watch for on this trail: (1) ticks. (2) newts. In the early morning, they just sit right in the middle of the trail, and don't get out of the way when you are about to step on them.
There are many more mini-waterfalls along the creek, including a 40 ft. long slide, which also looked quite interesting. But the view from the trail is obscured by trees.

Near the river, the American Canyon Trail joins the historic Western States Trail, which is a beautiful trail following the river, if you want additional hiking. This trail once stretched from Sacramento to Utah. Now, this portion along the Middle Fork is the route of two famous endurance races, the Tevis Cup Ride (for horses), and the Western States 100 mile run.

 


FEATHER RIVER RANGER DISTRICT
875 Mitchell Avenue Oroville, CA 95965
tel: (530) 534-6500

Challenge VIS
18050 Mulocktel: (530) 675-1146
Little California Mine Trail - 8El2
(Trailhead T.22N., R.8E., NW Section 6)
Elevation 5100 Feet
Access to this trailhead is on a spur road off of the Willow Creek Road. Two-wheel drive vehicles park at a wide location where the road starts descending. A 4-wheel drive road descends 2.0 miles to within 1/2 mile of the Middle Fork. The 4-wheel drive road is very steep with sharp turns. Walking is difficult and not especially pleasant. The last 1/2 mile of trail is not maintained and is steep and rough. Poison oak.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses.
Motor vehicles PERMITTED.
Hunter Ravine Trail - 7EI7
(Trailhead T.22N., P..7E., NE Section 16)
Elevation 3600 Feet
Trailhead difficult to find. Old road, passable to 4-wheel drive, descends for four miles. Last mile is a steep, rough trail not well maintained.NOT.RECOMMENDED for horses and motorbikes PROHIBITED on the lower one mile.
Mt. House Trail - 6E20 (Trailhead T.21N., R.6E., NE Section 4)
Elevation 3500 Feet
This trailhead is on a logging road. The trail descends 1 1/2 miles to the Little North Fork of the Middle Fork. A good late fall or spring hike.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses or motorbikes.
Dome Trail - 6E21
(Trailhead T.21N.,R. 6E.,SW Section 28)
Elevation 2800 Feet
The trailhead is on the road to the Andy Smith Ranch (2lN71). The trail descends 2.0 miles skirting under Bald Rock Dome. Since the trail was reconstructed and improved, it ii a good hike all the way to the Middle Fork of the Feather River.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses.
Motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Bald Mountain / Pacific Crest Tie Trail
(Trailhead T.22N.,R9E, Section 22)
Elevation 5100 Feet
This trailhead provides access to the Lakeshore Trail at Little Grass Valley Reservoir, the Bald Mountain Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail. The trailhead is adjacent to the Little Grass Valley Horse Camp (under construction). The trail leaves the trailhead and climbs 14 miles where it forks off. The left fork leads .9 mile to the top of Bald Mountain, providing spectacular views of Little Grass Valley Reservoir. The right fork leads 1.3 miles to tie into the Pacific Crest Trail near Chimney Rock.
Big Bald Rock Trail - Forest Trail 6E23
(Trailhead T.21N.,R6E, Section 30)
Elevation 3100 Feet
The trailhead is at the Big Bald Rock Picnic Area. The trail is approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking with a scramble over the rocks near the top.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses or motorbikes.
Butte Bar Trail
(Trailhead T.23N.,R8E, Section 1)
Elevation 3800 Feet
The trailhead is at the bottom of a long, narrow, winding road 8.7 miles in length. The trail is moderately steep, and joins the Pacific Crest Trail (P.C.T.) after approximately one mile. After following the P.C.T. for .5 mile you will reach the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Good campsites along the river.
NOT RECOMENDED -for horses.
ATVs & motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Feather Falls National Recreation Trail - Forest Trail 6E33
(Trailhead T.20N.,R6E, Section 11)
Elevation 2400 Feet
 

A paved road leads to this trailhead from Lumpkin Road, 1 mile west of the town of Feather Falls. A well maintained 9 mile loop trail heads to the unique and breathtaking overlook of Feather Falls. A pleasant trail in spring and fall but hot in summer. Do not leave the trail in the vicinity of tire overlook or approach too close to the precipitous falls. Year round access.
ATVs & motorbikes PROHIBITED.

See more

Graves Cabin Trail
(Trailhead T.21N.,R7E, Section 28)
Elevation 2100 Feet
This trail starts at Hansons Bar and parallels the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The trail is in fair condition and extends 2.0 miles upstream to the Graves cabin site and continues 1.0 mile to the Kennedy cabin site. Good campsites along the river.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses.
ATVs & motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Hansons Bar Trail - Forest Trail 7E29
(Trailhead T.21N.,R7E, Section 32)
Elevation 4200 Feet
The trailhead is approximately 25 miles northeast of the town of Feather Falls. Vehicles should park in the wide flat area where the road narrows. The 3.0 mile trail is well maintained to Hansons Bar. Good campsites at trail's end, along the Middle Fork of the Feather River. RECOMMENDED for horses and hikers.
Hartman Bar National Recreation Trail - Forest Trail 7E13
(Trailhead T.22N.,R7E, Section 23)
Elevation 5000 Feet
The trailhead is approximately 31 miles northeast of the town of Feather Falls. The 4.0 mile trail is well maintained and descends at a gradual grade for the first 2.0 miles. The next 2.0 miles are steeper with a series of switchbacks that descend to Hartman Bar and Dan Beebe Campground (undeveloped).
NOT RECOMMENDED for novice horse riders.
ATVs & motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Horse corral at trailhead.
Hartman Bar Trail - 7EI3.1 (from Northside)
(Trailhead T.23N., R.7E.. SE Section 34 )
Elevation 5200 Feet
This trailhead is located on the Willow Creek Road. The trail is well maintained. It descends at a steady, but gradual grade 4.0 miles to the Middle Pork. The worlds tallest Ponderosa pine is adjacent to the trail. A suspension bridge crosses the Middle Fork to Dan Beebe Camp and the Hartman Bar National Recreation Trail, which ascends the south side of the canyon. Poison oak.
RECOMMENDED for horses.
Motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Lakeshore Trail
Elevation 5100 Feet
This 13.5 mile Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Footpaths and access ways are located immediately adjacent to the campgrounds on the east and south shores. Recommended for Horses on north shore, and mountain bikes (entire trail). Trail drops below high-water mark where private land intersects.
ATVs and motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Little North Fork Trail - Forest Trail 7E18
(Trailhead T.22N.,R6E, Section 1)
Elevation 4100 Feet
This trail is reached by taking a rough single lane road to Little North Fork Campground and then walking across the bridge and up the road to the trail intersection. It follows the Little North Fork River 3.0 miles to the historic Robinson Mine. The first two miles are relatively level but the last mile rises rapidly.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses.
Minerva Bar Trail - Forest Trail 9E08
(Trailhead T.23N.,R10E, Section 30)
Elevation 5600 Feet
The road to the trailhead leaves the Quincy-La Porte Road along the Hogback. Go north past Fingerboard Spring 1.1 mile and turn right on the Belfries Mine Road; go 1.7 miles to the junction, turn left at the junction, and go .3 mile, then stay left for .1 mile to the trailhead. The last mile is very brushy. The 3.0 mile trail leads to the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Good campsites at the river.
NOT RECOMMENDED for horses.
ATVs & motorbikes PROHIBITED.
Poker Flat
(Trailhead T.21N.,R10E, Section 10)
This moderately difficult 4X4 trail leads from the Howland Flat/Mt. Filmore area, into the historic townsite of Poker Flat, along Canyon Creek. (Canyon Creek is the border of the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests). From La Porte take the Howland Flat road (county road 512/690) across Slate Creek, through Howland Flat. Just past Howland Flat cross Potosi Creek and turn right onto County road 800. Follow to Poker Flat.
Last two miles are 4X4 ONLY.
Wildcat Creek Trail - Forest Trail 6E11.1
(Trailhead T.23N.,R6E, Section 19)
Elevation 5760 Feet
The trailhead is on the road to Bear Ranch Hill (23N30). The trail is for fire protection but does provide fishing access to Wildcat and Grizzly Creeks.
Cleghorn Bar 4x4 Trail
(Trailhead T.23N.,R9E, Section 31)
Elevation 5000 Feet
Take the Sawmill Tom Road from the Quincy-La Porte Road to the trailhead. At this point the road is accessible for 4X4's only. This moderately difficult 4X4 route leads to Cleghorn Bar Campground on the Middle Fork of the Feather River.
RECOMMENDED for horses, ATV’s, motorbikes, and 4 - wheel drive vehicles.
Stag Point 4x4 Trail
(Trailhead T.22N.,R8E, Section 10)
Elevation 5600 Feet
To reach the trailhead from La Porte, go to the Tamarack Flat turnoff; then 2.8 miles to the trailhead. The 4-wheel drive trail extends 2.5 miles, and ends near the Middle Fork Feather River. The trai1 is narrow, steep, rough, and rocky with many sharp turns. Campsites at trail's end.
RECOMMENDED for horses, 4-wheel drives and ATVs & motorbikes.
Pacific Crest Trail (P.C.T.) 4 segments located on the Feather River Ranger District.
All vehicles and bicycles are PROHIBITED on the Pacific Crest Trail.
P.C.T. Fowler Peak Segment
(Middle Fork of the Feather River to Rock Creek Road - Trailhead T.22N.,R9E, Section 17)

The trail crosses the Middle Fork, of the Feather River by way of a bridge completed in 1980. It parallels Onion Creek for a short distance before starting the long climb out of the canyon. The trail climbs steadily, switchbacking occasionally, and continues to climb after crossing a ridge and going through an extensive stand of canyon live oak.
2.0 miles from the Middle Fork of the Feather River the Dogwood Creek Road is crossed. The trail continues to climb with frequent views of the Dogwood Creek Road and visual evidence of logging. Several abandoned logging spur roads are crossed. After 3.2 miles, the two 1ane dirt Sawmill Tom Creek Road is crossed.
On the next 2.2 miles the trail continues to climb following, skid trails and abandoned spur roads with evidence of logging in view. Finally, the trail stops climbing and meanders around the northeast side of Fowler Peak and then descends to the Black Rock Greek Road.
P.C.T. Chimney Rock Segment
(Black Rock Creek Road to Quincy-La Porte Road - Trailhead T.22N.,R9E, Section 15)
The trail follows an old four-wheel drive road, staying on a ridge top the entire 7.3 miles of this segment. The four-wheel drive road is posted "Closed". Roads are crossed at several sections. Vegetation consists of red fir with patches of manzanita. Views to the east and north are spectacular with some distant hydraulic mining scars visible.
P.C.T. Pilot Peak Segment
(Quincy-La Porte Road to Johnsville-Gibsonville Road - Trailhead T.22N.,R10E, Section 9)
This segment is 8.0 miles long. The trail climbs to Bunker Hill Ridge and their follows the ridge. Vegetation alternates between red fir stands and open rocky ridges with spectacular views. After crossing several roads, the trail leaves Bunker Hill Ridge with a slight descent skirting the northeast side of Mt. Etna (T. 22N. , R.10E. Section 26) in the vicinity of an old trail and mine. The trail utilizes an old ditch for several hundred yards before crossing a manzanita field and descending to the Johnsville-Gibsonville Road.
P.C.T. Gibralter Segment
(Johnsville-Gibsonville Road to the A Tree - Trailhead T.21N.,R11E, Section 5)
This segment follows Nelson Creek across McCrae Ridge to the A Tree (T21N, R11E, Section 10.0 miles. Beautiful views on this whole segment.

All vehicles and bicycles are PROHIBITED on the Pacific Crest Trail.

For more information contact:
FEATHER RIVER RANGER DISTRICT
875 Mitchell Avenue Oroville, CA 95965
tel: (530) 534-6500

Challenge VIS
18050 Mulocktel: (530) 675-1146

 

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Chapman Creek Trail
Sierra Buttes Area


Mileage: 1.5 mile, one way
Elevation: 5840 to 6400 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Use Level: Light
Season: June through October
Topographic Map: Sierra City 7.5'

Access: Approximately eight miles east of Sierra City on Highway 49, turn into Chapman Creek Campground. The trailhead is located at the north end of the campground and is well marked. Parking is available next to the trailhead sign. Please do not park in any of the campsites.

Trail Description: The trail easily winds up along the contour of Chapman Creek under a heavily forested canopy. Many species of birds, wildflowers, and wildlife may be seen. Along the trail are several ideal sites for picnicking and fishing. Perhaps, on this trail, the most appealing activity of all is to just sit comfortably somewhere along the trailside and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Haskell Peak Trail
Sierra Buttes Area


Mileage: 1.5 mile, one way
Elevation: 7000 to 8107 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Use Level: Light
Season: June through September
Topographic Map: Clio 7.5'

Access: Approximately five miles east of Sierra City on Highway 49, turn onto Gold Lake Highway at Bassetts Station. Proceed on Gold Lake Highway for three and seven-tenths miles and turn right at the Haskell Peak Road sign. Follow Forest Road 9 for eight and four-tenths miles. (Do not take any of the side roads along the 8.4 miles.) At this point, on your left there is a trailhead sign reading Haskell Creek Trail 11E02. There is ample parking space on both sides of the road. (If you reach the intersection marked "Chapman Saddle," you have gone one and two-tenths mile too far.)

Trail Description: This is a very pleasant trail, climbing moderately through a heavily forested area for the first mile. The trail then flattens and reaches an open area with a view of Haskell Peak. From this point there is a short steep climb for the for the final quarter-mile to Haskell Peak. The view from the top is spectacular. Many feel it surpasses the view seen from the Sierra Buttes. Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, Mount Rose, Sierra Buttes, and Sierra Valley provide a panoramic view. Haskell Peak also offers interesting volcanic rock formations.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Upper Salmon Lake Trail
Sierra Buttes Area


Mileage: 2 miles, one way
Elevation: 6500 to 7110 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Use Level: Moderate
Season: June through October
Topographic Map: Gold Lake 7.5'

Access: Approximately five miles east of Sierra City on Highway 49, turn onto Gold Lake Highway at Bassetts Station. Continue on Gold Lake Highway for four miles until you reach the clearly marked Salmon Lake junction. Turn left and proceed to Upper Salmon Lake. The trailhead is on your right There is limited parking.

Trail Description: This trail, like the Deer Lake Trail, terminates at Deer Lake. However, this is a slightly shorter hike than the Deer Lake Trail. The first half mile is relatively flat as it skirts the east side of Upper Salmon Lake and passes through Salmon Lake Lodge. After crossing Horse Lake Creek the trail heads south past Horse Lake and climbs through a series of steep switchbacks. It soon reaches a saddle where it merges with the Deer Lake Trail. This point provides a panoramic view of Horse Lake and Upper Salmon Lake, with a massive glacial moraine in the background. Another two-tenths mile brings you to beautiful Deer Lake, an ideal place to picnic and fish.

Pacific Crest Trail Access: The trail also provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail at the ridge, two-tenths mile before reaching Deer Lake. The PCT access route is clearly marked.

If transportation can be arranged, hikers may wish to return to the Deer Lake Trailhead near Packer Lake. See the description for Deer Lake Trail for details. Salmon Lake Lodge has no restaurant or other facilities for hikers.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Pauley Creek Trail
Sierra Buttes Area


Mileage: 3.5 miles, one way
Elevation: 6200 to 4400 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Use Level: Light
Season: June through September
Topographic Map: Downieville 7.5', Sierra City 7.5', Gold Lake NW 7.5'

Access: Pauley Creek Trail is accessed by following the Third Divide or Butcher Ranch Trail to the junction with the Pauley Creek Trail.

Trail Description: This description covers a hike starting at the Butcher Ranch Trailhead. (If the hike is started at the Third Divide Trail it is a hike of six and one-half miles one way. For more detail, read the description for the Second and Third Divide Trails.) The Butcher Ranch Trail follows the contours of Butcher Ranch Creek for approximately one and one-half mile to the junction of Pauley Creek. Despite the rapid change in elevation, this portion of the trail is well worth the hike. The display of spring wildflowers is spectacular.

The Pauley Creek Trail then heads north toward Gold Valley. The bridge across Butcher Ranch Creek has been washed out and care should be used when fording the creek. The trail along Pauley Creek is a moderate but steady climb, offering views of a series of beautiful, deep pools. You pass through an area of magnificent old growth timber, with many ideal places on the creek for picnicking, fishing, and camping.

Two miles after crossing Butcher Ranch Creek the trail ends at a bridge across Pauley Creek. To access Gold Valley from this point, follow the four-wheel drive road north far another mile. Veer right when the road splits. Gold Valley is a wide open valley with lush meadows and ideal sites for camping. The area offers a large variety of wildflower, wildlife, and birds. The quiet hiker is likely to see a bear, deer or coyote.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Chimney Rock Trail


Mileage: 4 miles one-way
Elevation: 6400 to 6800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Use Level: Light
Season: June through October
Topographic Map: Mt. Fillmore 7.5'

Access: From Downieville head approximately 0.2 mile west on Highway 49 and turn right on the dirt road. This is the Saddleback Road. Continue on this road for approximately 8 miles until you reach a five-way intersection. Head straight through the intersection onto road 25-23-1 After another 0.3 mile you will reach a Y. intersection. Head straight through (do not veer right). Proceed 1 mile to another "Y" intersection. Once again head straight through. Approximately 1 more mile down the road you will bear right onto road 25-23-1-2 This road is posted "Dead End - Road Not Maintained." Continue on this road approximately 0.6 mile and head straight through another intersection About 100 yards farther there is an obscure road which bears slightly left (this is the Poker Flat OHV Trail). Keep to the right and continue for approximately 1 mile to a turn-out at the base of Bunker Hill Two-wheel drive vehicles should park here and hike the last 0.6 mile down this road to the trailhead. Four-wheel drive vehicles may choose to drive this last section.

Note: The access road from Downieville to the trailhead is a total length of 13.0 miles. There are some rough sections with moderate traffic. Extra caution while driving is recommended.

Trail Description: From the trailhead, the trail climbs moderately for 1 mile, reaching Chimney Rock at an elevation of 6700 feet. Chimney Rock is a huge volcanic rock, 12 feet in diameter at its base, rising straight up for approximately 25 feet. At this point, with the splendid 360 degree vista, there is no need to try to climb to the top of the rock for a better view. The trail continues eastward, descending under a lightly forested canopy. It then starts to climb again around Needle Point and Rattlesnake Peak until it reaches the end of the Empire Creek Trail. Hikers who can arrange transportation may wish to descend the 2.5 miles into lovely Empire Creek Canyon instead of having to retrace their path to the Chimney Rock Trailhead. They can then be picked up at the Empire Creek Trailhead.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Bullards Bar Trail


Mileage: 7.0 miles
Elevation: 2243 to 2250 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Use Level: Moderate
Season: All year
Topographic Map: Camptonville 7.5', Challenge 7.5'

Access: From Nevada City take Highway 49 to Marysville Road (County Road No. 117) two miles west of Camptonville and turn left. Follow this road for 2.7 miles to the Dark Day Picnic Area/Boat Ramp turn off. Turn right and continue for 0.5 miles. Take the left fork to the Picnic Area and the trailhead. The trail can also be started at the Sunset Vista Point, which is 3.0 miles west of the Dark Day Picnic Area/Boat Ramp turn off. The Sunset Vista Point is located 0.75 mile east of the Bullards Bar Reservoir Dam. Finally, this trail can also be accessed near unit 13 of Schoolhouse Campground.

Trail Description: As indicated under the access description, the trail can be started from several trailheads. It offers an easy walk along the contour of the lake with excellent spots for fishing or swimming. There are plenty of wildflowers, ferns, and some huge ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. To really enjoy a nice picnic and a relaxing view of the lake, visit the Dark Day Picnic Area.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Crooked Lakes Trail
Grouse Lakes Area


Mileage: 2 1/4 miles one way
Elevation: 6880 to 6880 feet
Difficulty: More Difficult
Use Level: Medium
Topographic Map: English Mtn.

Access: Crooked Lake Trail is accessed at its northern end by Lindsey Lakes Trail and at its southern end by Round Lake Trail.

Trail Description: This trail extends from Island Lake to Upper Rock Lake. The trail is maintained from Island Lake to Penner Lake, one of the most scenic of the Grouse Lakes, with good fishing and a number of good campsites. From Penner Lake the trail climbs to a forested ridge and then descends to Upper Rock Lake

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Glacier Lake Trail
Grouse Lakes Area


Mileage: 2 1/4 miles one-way
Elevation: 6900 to 7600 feet
Difficulty: More Difficult
Use Level: Medium
Topographic Map: English Mtn.

Access: At its western end Glacier Lake Trail bisects the Grouse Ridge Trail. The trailhead near Grouse Ridge Campground is the closest Grouse Ridge Trail access point to the junction with Glacier Lake Trail.

Trail Description: From the Grouse Ridge Trail, the trail proceeds east between Sand Ridge and the Black Buttes to Glacier Lake. This deep lake is surrounded by granite, with patches of red fir where there is enough soil to support trees.

Tahoe National Forest Hiking
Round Lake Trail
Grouse Lakes Area


Mileage: 2 1/4 miles one-way
Elevation: 6720 to 7200 feet
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Use Level: Heavy
Topographic Map: English Mtn., Granitville

Access: This trail can be accessed at its west end by taking Bowman Road north from Highway 20. Then turn east at the Lindsey Lake, Feely Lake, Carr Lake sign. Follow the signs to Cur Lake and park. Continue on by foot to Feely Lake where the trail starts. At its eastern end, the Round Lake Trail comes off the Grouse Ridge Trail.

Trail Description: Round Lake Trail extends east from Feely Lake to the Grouse Ridge Trail, passing Island, Long, Round, and Milk Lakes. There are several excellent c