Ted's Hiking World American Canyon
Auburn State Recreation Area

May 9, 2009

Finding the trailhead is easy enough, provided that one has basic directions.  When I arrive, half a dozen carloads of hikers are already here.

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Lots of options here
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Starting down the trail

As I head down the slope, some flowers immediately catch my attention.  Surprise, surprise.  These first few all happen to be yellow guys:

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Scotch Broom
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Prettyface

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Yellow Star Tulip

I had no idea that scotch broom was so delicate, as the flowers tend to conceal their inner details from passers-by.  And that amazing star tulip is the only one I ever have seen.

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Streamside Springbeauty
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Pleasant going

At the first trail junction I ignore an option to visit Ruck-a-Chucky, whatever that is.  I ford a little stream, walk a hundred feet, and am compelled to rock-hop the creek again.  Two hikers are scratching their heads and perusing a map, for they had not expected a second crossing.  Unbeknownst to me at the time, these actually are two different creeks which merge out of sight in the underbrush.

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American Canyon Creek
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Hoboken Creek

Many more flower types present themselves, some more interesting than others.  Abruptly, the trail dips into a skinny canyon, where the creek rushes quickly along and is difficult to photograph.

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Meadow Larkspur
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Twining Snakelily

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Foothill Gilia
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In the narrows

Presently I am on the Western States Trail, which originally ran all the way to Utah.  Now it is the venue for the world-famous Western States 100  ultra-marathon, one of the nation's Grand-Slam events of its type.  On every last weekend of June, an average of 369 runners (the limit mandated by Congress) survive a lottery or prior qualification, then risk their lives attempting to get from Squaw Valley to Auburn in 30 hours or less.  And in 100-degree heat, no less.  This event is an offshoot of the annual Tevis Cup equestrian competition, which covers essentially the same route.

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Important junction
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Almost there

It is a steep 600-foot downhill from here to the Middle Fork of the American River.  Although the Poverty Bar environs are pleasant enough, I will say that this is the least scenic destination I have visited in this park to date.  It is difficult even to reach the river bank over the field of six-inch boulders resembling giant marbles.  I bet things were rather more interesting around here back in the 1850s, when ten thousand gold miners were vying for space!

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Middle Fork American River at Poverty Bar
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Boy Scout troop

A predictably noisy Boy Scout troop is picnicking nearby.  Included in the group is a young girl.  My guess is that she is the daughter of the troop leader.  In any case, this is no place for me.  After a brief break for some trail mix, I head back up the trail.

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California Snowdrop Bush
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Pacific Stonecrop

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Lots of poison oak, yet beautiful nonetheless
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Italian Thistle

Near the first junction on the return, an unsigned usage trail leads down to the creek; of course, it must be investigated.  On the way down the steep slope I encounter some new flower types, including a personal favorite.

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A well-used spur trail
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A reasonable swimming hole

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Canyon Liveforever (dudleya), a most photogenic species

Just ahead I can hear the sound of a waterfall, but I cannot see any hint of same.  So that's what this detour is about!  As I descend toward the little green pool, the noise increases.  It proves necessary actually to jump across the creek in order to view this hidden gem.

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American Canyon Creek Falls, 15'

As I head back to the main trail, I am compelled to keep my shutter clicking.  Any serious photographer could spend half a day within twenty yards of where I am standing in this picture-taking paradise.  The lichen on the rocks are as brightly colored as I ever have seen them, providing nice backdrops for some memorable shots.

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Dudleya
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White Meadowfoam at creekside

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Lupine
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Dudleya

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Dudleya
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This White Globe Lily is popular

I take virtually no photographs on the rest of the walk, stopping only for numerous breathers and to let three pairs of horses pass.  The air temperature is nearing 80° by this time, which is too hot for climbing 1,100 feet.  Fortunately, today's trail is entirely shaded except for a short section near the falls.

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Equestrians doing their thing


§: Ted's Tip: Be sure not to miss the little detour to the waterfall, for that is easily the best part of the entire walk.

Scenery *
Difficulty *
Personality *
Flowers *
Solitude *

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