(North Fork American River {N.Fk.Am.R.})
Hike # 15
(For Alta Trailhead see Hike #3)
Directions to trailhead: Follow I-80 to Auburn and take the Foresthill Rd. exit. Drive 17 miles to the Mosquito Ridge Rd. junction (on the right). Set trip meter to 0.0 and continue straight on Foresthill Rd. At 9.5 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 10 (signed Sugar Pine Rec. Area). Drive 7.7 miles, cross Sugar Pine Dam and pass a road on the right (signed Sugar Pine Campground). Immediately past this junction, turn right onto Elliot Ranch Road (signed “Sugar Pine Wildlife Mitigation Area”). This road is rough and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Drive 1.1 miles to a fork and take the right fork (the left fork is signed 26-16). Stay on the main road for 1.1 miles beyond the fork until you see the Green Valley Trailhead sign; turn left and drive 0.25 mile to the trailhead.
Trailhead UTM: 10 S 06 91 546 43 35 894
Topographic Map: Dutch Flat 7.5’
Elevation: 4076’ to 1863’ (2379’ total elevation gain)
Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Jurisdiction: Tahoe National Forest
Trail description: This trail was once a main supply artery for miners at the river. As you descend steeply, you will soon be treated to expansive views of the N.Fk.Am.R. Canyon (designated “Wild and Scenic”). Giant Gap and hulking Lover’s Leap are just downstream. Near the river, the trail ends at a “T”. Go to the right (upstream) to gain access to the river. In summer months you can ford the river and continue to the Alta trailhead, see hike #3.
Campsites: Several marginal campsites near river.
Get Off Your Gass 