Ted's Hiking World Eagles Nest to the North Fork
Auburn State Recreation Area

April 28, 2022

Another unknown trail observed on a map merits another investigation.  It begins right across the street from where I ended another investigation just last week — on a residential street.

* *

Getting started

*
Steep, but easy enough

*
There is another such sign down the hill a ways

*
As anticipated, there is not much in the way of scenery in here

*
Ithuriel's Spear *
Balsamroot

*
Blue Field Gilia *
Summer Vetch

*
Common Grape Vine *
Himalayan Blackberry

*
More non-scenery

*
Drug Snowbell *
Scotch Broom

Presently I encounter an Oriental family, which is unusual on local trails.

*
The father wishes me a good life

After passing the other Placer Land Trust sign at a trail spur, I reach the riverside Pioneer Express Trail and turn southward.

*
I have not crossed this bridge previously

*
Indian Pink *
Fairy Lantern

*
South Fork American River

I am hopeful of finding a way down to the river's edge, but this route remains high above it.  I'll just keep going and see what develops.

* *

Chinese Houses

*
Still no access

*
Peninsular Onion *
Prettyface

*
Pilot Creek ends its run here

*
The trail actually climbs sharply from here

Okay, that's my clue to stop here; there was no planned destination anyway.  It's time for a snack on the slope of this steep ridge.

*
Harvest Brodiaea *
Another Balsamroot

* *

Elegant Clarkia

*
Carmine enjoys the view

*
Foothill Clover *
Twining Snakelily

*
Winecup Fairyfan *
Cat's Ear

*
The Pipevine Swallowtail is much more colorful on the underside

*

*
Rose Clover *
Tomcat Clover

*
Italian Thistle *
Scarlet Pimpernel

*

*
Beetles at play *
Shield Fern

*
Just around the bend is the base of Cardiac Hill

It has taken me thirteen years to identify this one:

*
Rose Clover

*
Back at the junction

*
Back in the bushes

*
Ladybug on Milkvetch *
Dragonfly on boulder

*
Those are my wheels, at the unlikely-looking trailhead


§: Well, again I got just what was anticipated — not much scenery but a lot of flowers, including a couple of new keepers for my collection.  I did walk only about a mile and a quarter south on the Pioneer Express Trail; perhaps I'll venture farther next time.

Scenery *
Difficulty *
Personality *
Adventure *
Flowers *

*

Go Back