Stevens Trail with Friends (Placer County, California)

Last spring I went snow-camping with the Tahoe Rim Trail association. It was a great experience and I made a couple of friends on the trip that I've kept in touch with via Facebook and email. When Gehn sent a hiking invitation to Lydia and I, I really wanted to go. Unfortunately, I had already volunteered to work an event for the Nevada Humane Society this morning. Gehn and Lydia both agreed to wait for me though and so we met at the trail head of Stevens Trail just outside of Colfax about 3:15 pm. Unfortunately, I realized that I had forgotten my camera and so all attached photos are courtesy of my iphone's camera.

As we started the trail, it was great chatting with these friends that I hadn't seen in person in just over a year, but as we share a lot of common interests it took no time at all to get re-acquainted. Gehn and I have both hiked this trail a couple of times in the past, but it was Lydia's first time. Even so, we were all very curious about how the record-breaking precipitation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains this winter would affect the river and feeder creeks. 

It didn't take long to find out. As we approached the fork, which separates mountain bikers from hikers for a short distance, a trail-runner coming other direction warned us that the hiker path was nearly impassable below the waterfall and advised us to use the bike path. We took his advice, but it still wasn't easy. Crossing over the falls proved to be a bit dangerous. It required us to leap across a fast-flowing section of the steep waterfall about three feet to a slick boulder sticking out of the water, with only thorn bushes to grab for upon landing. Luckily, we were all able to make the jump without any injuries beyond a couple of thorns in the hands.

Continuing on, we start to see the marvelous views of the North Fork of the American River far below us. Passing by the long-abandoned mine shaft, we invited Lydia to explore the stone crevasse, but explained that it only goes back a few yards before hitting a dead end. Apparently, the wood-be miners either tired of mining or determined there was no gold to be had in 'them thar hills'. Lydia declined and we continued on down the trail.

It seems we are just a couple of weeks early to see the wild-flowers that will undoubtedly blanket these hillsides. My last visit was late April a couple of years ago and the hillsides were a yellow, purple and white quilt upon an ocean of green flora.

One final barrier before we reached the river, another rushing waterfall, but this one considerably wider and requiring us to crawl across a pile of rocks and balance a 8-ish foot section of fallen trees to reach the other side. Again, we all made it safely.

Arriving at the river, we stop for a short rest and to get a snack. It's amazing how much water is flowing past us. Rocks that I have napped on during previous trips are vanished, likely submerged under the torrents. After our snack, we head back to the trail head and say our goodbyes. It was great catching up and we all agree that we need to do this more often.