(North Fork American River {N.Fk.Am.R.})
Hike # 11 (For Emigrant Gap Trailhead, see Hike # 1)
Directions to trailhead: Follow I80 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 16.0 miles, turn left into signed parking area. Park and follow unpaved road to the north. Watch for trailhead signs.
Trailhead UTM: 10 S 07 03 881 43 39 031
Topographic Map: Westville 7.5’ and Duncan Peak 7.5’
Elevation: 5361’ to 2628’ (3185’ total elevation gain)
Distance: 7.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Jurisdiction: Tahoe National Forest
Trail description: This trail was justly awarded National Heritage status in year 2000 for historic and scenic qualities. It leads from near the old Westville stage stop on the Foresthill Divide Emigrant Trail to the N.Fk. Am.R. and to John Mumford’s cabin, built in 1868 (now in a condition of “arrested decay”). Old trail blazes are visible on a few trees. Bedrock mortars near the river reveal this to be perhaps an old Nisenan trail. This is a relatively moderate-slope trail, well shaded and north facing. In the summer months you can ford the river and continue up to the Emigrant Gap Trailhead (See Mumford Bar—Emigrant Gap Hike #1)
Campsites: Several campsites are available on both sides of the river.
Get Off Your Gass 