Rafting Trips

(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+).

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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

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