Auburn State Recreation Area
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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 | 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 | Prettyface |
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 | 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 | 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 | Twining Snakelily |
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| Foothill Gilia | 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 (that limit being 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 | 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 6-inch boulders resembling giant marbles. I bet things were rather more interesting around here back in the 1850's, when ten thousand gold miners were vying for space!
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| Middle Fork American River at Poverty Bar | 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 | Pacific Stonecrop |
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| Lots of poison oak, beautiful nonetheless | Italian Thistle |
Near the first junction on the return, an unsigned usage trail leads down to the creek; it, of course, 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 | A reasonable swimming hole |
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.
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 is as brightly colored as I ever have seen it, providing nice backdrops for some memorable shots.
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| Dudleya | White Meadowfoam at creekside |
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| Lupine | Dudleya |
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| Dudleya | This White Globe Lily is popular |
I take almost 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.
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.
American Canyon
American Canyon Creek Falls
North Fork American River
Western States Trail