Photo by C. Ferris
Thunder, lightning, hail, snow, rain, wind. Spring has all of that, plus bright, blue-sky sunny days and mild temps in our area. All that adds up to great bike rides, except for the thunder and lightning bit.
The robust snowpack in the high country means hiking at elevations below about 7,500 to 8,000 feet. Cycling is in that boat also. Above those elevations there is snow, a lot of it.
There isn’t a really good count of how many miles of mountain bike trails we have in El Dorado County. Best guess is there may be too many to count. Someone should tally it all up and write a book about it. There’s also not a good count on how many miles of safe road bike riding we have.

Road bikes, the skinny tire type, are best suited for hard-packed dirt or paved roads. Safe simply means roads with enough shoulder space to ride away from the traffic lanes as much as possible. Some of our county roads have just enough space on the side of the road for the white fog line, and nothing more.
If you’re a cyclist, it’s time to take advantage of the fantastic June weather and start pedalling, especially if your favorite hike is still waist-deep in snow. There’s plenty to choose from for both fat-tire and skinny-tire riders.
We actually have some of the best mountain bike riding here. Some of the trails draw riders from all over the states and internationally, too. From very gentle to very technically challenging we have it all.
One of the more famous trails, which won’t be rideable any time soon, is Mr. Toads up in Tahoe. Right now it should be named Mr. Toads Very Snow Covered No-Ride Trail.
Local bike shops in Tahoe are sending mountain bike riders to the Corral Trail, Power Line Trail and Tahoe Mountain. They span quite a lot of territory and are currently free of snow. They are also good for just about anyone who is competent on a bike, travelling through some wonderful Tahoe forest scenery.
The Crystal Basin Recreation Area has many miles of trails for mountain bikes and good roads for the skinny-tire riders. Mountain bike rides up there are on USFS logging roads or marked trails. Some of those roads go on forever, taking quite a few twists and turns.
Road bike riders may enjoy the trek from Ice House to Wright’s Lake. Right now you can’t actually get to Wright’s, from Highway 50 or Ice House, but you can ride quite a ways. Traffic is light this time of year. The forest up in Crystal Basin is just simply stunning right now.
Sly Park Recreation Area in Pollock Pines has a mountain bike trail that circles the lake. There are some technical aspects to that trail. Goofing up at the wrong spot may land you in the lake.
Just across Mormon Emigrant Trail after the second dam is a series of well-known trails that wind around the forest and attract riders from all over. It’s called Fleming Meadows and is a great place to ride. Take a map though. A wrong turn can mean a long ride that you may not expect.






For a challenging road bike ride, Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road will test your stamina and maybe make you think you’re crazy. At 23.72 miles one-way it’s longer, and in spots more difficult, than Blue Lakes over on Highway 88.
It’s a U.S. Forest Service road, and on their list, it’s Forest Route 5.  How much time you have or want to spend in the saddle will determine where you park. No matter where that is, from start to finish, one-way or out-and-back, you’re on your own.
There are no services along the road. The road ends at Highway 88. There is a rest stop there, but that’s it. No water, food or latte carts along the way.
For a sweet, in-town ride, the El Dorado Trail, any part of it, is perfect. Nothing is too strenuous, the scenery is great and the paved trail provides a smooth ride. Snacks in town after your ride are mandatory.
Take advantage of what we have and — get outside!
By Charlie Ferris
To see the original article and photo in the Mt. Democrat newspaper, CLICK HERE 

Park association representatives from the Empire Mine Park Association, South Yuba River Park Association and the Friends of North Bloomfield and Malakoff Diggins met recently regarding consolidation. The three groups are working through the process of consolidating their charters and support work.
A transitional committee led by the three presidents of each association (Brianna Cosbie–Empire Mine Park Association, Robert Coats-South Yuba River Park Association, and Holly Mitten-Friends of North Bloomfield and Malakoff Diggins) will continue to work together until the new foundation is operational, according to a release.
Coats has lent his leadership and expertise to guide the group through the steps necessary to form the new association, to be called the Sierra Gold Parks Foundation. With a target of Oct. 31 to be operational, the team has spent time documenting the assets, existing and future budgets, and mission-related activities projected to take place over the next two years.
A new board will be established, initially including representatives from each of the three existing park support organizations, plus additional individuals with demonstrated interest and expertise to support the state parks.
Each park support association is individually viable, with volunteers and assets; however, by consolidating functions, activities, and energies the new association will be even more robust. The new association will honor previously designated funds, grants, and park-specific event proceeds, to be expended in the park of origin. The long-term picture will be a foundation that generates enhanced support for all three parks.
Matt Green, acting superintendent for the Sierra District, expressed support for the establishment of the Sierra Gold Parks Foundation.
“This model of a super structure to support multiple parks has proven to be very effective,” Green said. “The Sierra State Parks Foundation is a similar organization that supports all of the Tahoe basin state parks, plus Donner Memorial State Park. I look forward to a long and productive beneficial relationship with our Sierra Gold Parks Foundation partners.”
When all three Western Nevada County parks were under the threat of closure due to budget shortfalls, the community rallied together — with elected officials and parks volunteers — to make operational funding available. The repeated threats of closures over the years have led to reliance on park associations to maintain trails and visitor centers, support schools programs and conduct special events.
Source: Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins
CLICK HERE to see original press release as printed in The Union newspaper.

Today, take your mom to see a pretty waterfall! There are plenty of spots in Northern California for waterfall-lovers to stumble upon.  Waterfall photographer Leon Turnbull gave KCRA his suggestions for the most easily accessible waterfalls in Northern California.
AMERICAN CANYON CREEK FALLS
Nestled within a very narrow valley along the American Canyon Creek, a 15-foot waterfall offers visitors a very scenic and unique experience. "It is one of the coolest little waterfalls in the greater Sacramento area," Turnbull said. It's a nearly 2-mile hike to get a view of the American Canyon Creek Falls.
BLACK HOLE OF CALCUTTA FALLS
In Placer County, hikers can easily walk to the 40-foot Black Hole of Calcutta Falls. Turnbull suggests hikers follow the scenic path along the Western States Trail from the Auburn Confluence. "Start on the south side of the river, crossing over the historic No Hands Bridge, and continue on the north side up to the waterfall," Turnbull said. It is a 2-mile round-trip hike.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Along Highway 50, waterfall-lovers can stumble upon Bridal Veil Falls, and you don't even need to hike to find it. Esmeralda Creek flows into the falls in El Dorado County.
CODFISH FALLS
"The trail to Codfish Creek Falls is a beautiful and very easy hike along the North Fork of the American River," Turnbull said.Hikers can follow the trail for about 1.4 miles then reach Codfish Creek, where the trail turns upstream a short distance to the waterfall."The waterfall is a pretty cascade," Turnbull said about the 68-foot-high waterfall. "Codfish Creek drops almost vertically for 40 feet., then cascades for another 28 feet. In the spring, it is a beauty."There is a fee to park at the trailhead.
DEVIL FALLS
"It's certainly not the biggest or best, but if you want to see a pretty waterfall without getting out of your car, within a one-hour drive from the big city, then this is your ticket," Turnbull said. Devil Falls is 45 feet tall.
LAKE CLEMENTINE FALLS
"Lake Clementine Falls is not a natural waterfall, obviously. But it is such an interesting waterfall, and Lake Clementine is a neat place to visit," Turnbull said.
The Lake Clementine waterfall is formed from the North Fork Dam. Water flows off the dam for a 122-foot drop into the river below. "It is an amazing sight to see," Turnbull said. There is a fee.
LOVES FALLS
Located at the bridge over the North Yuba River along the Pacific Crest Trail, the Loves Falls offers hikers two easy ways to see the waterfall.
First, Turnbull said hikers can take a short, easy hike along the Pacific Crest Trail from Highway 49. However, if you have the time, Turnbull suggests hikers take the longer route from Wild Plum Campground.
"It is a fairly easy hike and has some nice views of the Sierra Buttes. The hike begins on the west side of Haypress Creek bridge," Turnbull said. Hikers then need to follow the Wild Plum Loop until it meets up with Pacific Crest Trail, then turn left for Loves Falls.
"The waterfall is quite a nice, little, cute one," Turnbull said. "Hopefully, you can find a good spot on the rocks below the falls to eat lunch."
NORTH FORK FALLS
The North Fork Falls, or the Emigrant Gap Falls, is a small waterfall along the North Fork American River. It's a short walk from the campground, near Emigrant Gap.
"It is a very popular swimming hole in the summer," Turnbull said.
PAULEY FALLS
"Although only 15 feet high, it is an incredibly pretty little waterfall," Turnbull said. "It cascades down Pauley Creek in many interesting little slices. In the spring, the flow can be very impressive." The land is owned by Downieville Water Co., but the public is allowed to access the waterfall.

CLICK HERE to see the original article and photos at KCRA News.

The sun is out and the seasons have quickly transitioned, meaning folks will be out wanting to escape the heat at one of their favorite local swimming holes. But those hoping to find peace and tranquility along the banks of the South Yuba River will be met with an abundance of dangerously frigid water. “We’re telling people that it’s really not safe to swim if you’re not familiar with the area,” South Yuba River Citizen’s League Community Engagement Manager Daniel Belshe said.

Dangerously high river flows along the South Yuba are expected through June and July. Right now, the Bureau of Land Management estimates a 167% above normal snowpack and have estimated a peak river flow for May 21.
“It’s actually higher than the average right now,” Belshe said. “So right now we’re sort of telling people to stay out of the water.”

Over 700,000 people visit the South Yuba River through the state parks river crossings at Bridgeport, Highway 49, Purdon, and Edwards Crossing each year and SYRCL is planning on ramping up its river ambassador program to help alleviate the impacts.

Now in it’s second year, the river ambassadors volunteer to help educate visitors about safe river recreation. “We were seeing a lot more trash over the year,” Belshe said. “There was a need for more of a presence at the river. We basically want to remind you to pick up your trash, no glass at the river, be fire safe, and the dangers of water safety right now with high waters, that’s one of our biggest talking points this year.” Despite warnings against entering the waters of the South Yuba River during high flows, Belshe and SYRCL staff still want people to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.
“There’s still so many things to do down there,” Beshe said. Thats what I’m trying to encourage, we still want people to go down there. It’s beautiful, hitting the trails down there, the wildflowers are blooming, the water is really pretty to look at, it’s flowing really hard and sounds beautiful, but be safe.”

To see the complete article and all photos in The Union Newspaper, CLICK HERE.

Take a stroll along the lake in spring. Sweetwater Trail in the Folsom State Recreation Area is a 6+ mile out-and-back saunter along Sweetwater Creek, a tributary of Folsom Lake. Filled with wildflowers, rocks and views of the surrounding hills, the walk is a visual joy. This is a multi-use trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. 

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon pulchellum). Photo by Mary West​

I wanted to get out and hike this trail before the summer heat made it oppressive. There are shaded areas but take along sunblock, hat and glasses if you are sensitive to the sun. The poison oak was already shiny with oil in March. If you are sensitive to it, wear long sleeves and pants on this trail as it grows in profusion along the trail.

From Auburn take Highway 49 from Placer County to El Dorado County, toward Cool. Turn right on Rattlesnake Bar Road and take an immediate left on Salmon Falls Road. Follow Salmon Falls over the American River to the Salmon Falls Rafters Take Out parking lot on your left. The trailhead is just to the right of the restrooms. This is a fee area.

The highlight for me on this trail was the shooting stars. I have never seen them at this low elevation. I also enjoyed the patches of sage and mint along the way. After you make the trip to the far gate and start your return, consider the lower trail that runs along the wide creek. A bridge appears when the creek is low. Then cut up to the trail to return to the parking lot. 
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Mary West is author of the book series “Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide.” The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors and favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond (Available on Amazon). You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.

To see the complete article in the Mountain Democrat newspaper, CLICK HERE.

Sacramento, Calif April 19, 2019 – At its Board meeting yesterday, the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) accepted a $1.95 million grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) to co-manage the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative (TCSI), a pioneering landscape-level effort to restore forest and watershed resilience to more than 2.4 million acres.
“If we have learned nothing else from the recent wildfires in California, increasing our pace and scale of forest management is essential to protecting Tahoe and Central Sierra communities,” said Jeff Marsolais, forest supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and ex officio member of the Conservancy Board. “Efforts funded by this grant will advance critical landscape-scale restoration.”
This Proposition 68 grant from the SNC will enable the Conservancy to provide strategic direction to forest health and watershed restoration across the entire TCSI landscape, which extends from the North Yuba River to the American River watershed, and encompasses the Lake Tahoe Basin. Conservancy staff will also plan restoration projects, coordinate restoration crews, and conduct research to speed up large-scale restoration.
The Conservancy and the SNC collaboratively lead the TCSI, along with 12 other partners including three National Forests. The TCSI partners have committed to:

• restore resilience to the landscape using a science-based approach;
• integrate research to guide development of climate and fire-resilient forests and fire-adapted communities;
• accelerate planning, permitting, and implementation of high priority projects;
• increase the use of resulting biomass and wood products; and
• increase and leverage funding for large scale restoration.

To see the original article in YubaNet.net, CLICK HERE.

"After months of rain and snow, last Wednesday spring seemed to have finally come to Nevada County.
The air smelled sweet, daffodils bloomed on the highway embankments, and out the third-floor window of the old county courthouse a flock of cedar waxwings cavorted over the rooftops along Main Street. People felt like going outside. I met a neighbor coming back from walking her dog — as has been the practice here for generations — on one of the Nevada Irrigation District ditch trails.
"The two crown jewels of recreation in Nevada County are the South Yuba River, and the ditch trails," Nevada City Attorney John Bilheimer said at the courthouse.
Bilheimer, a poker-faced, athletic man in his 50s with a shock of wiry, salt-and-pepper hair, was there on behalf of his clients, a neighborhood association calling themselves the Friends of Banner Mountain. Friends had filed suit against a Banner Mountain landowner who installed two locked gates blocking public access to a portion of the Lower Cascade Canal trail where it meets Gracie Road. The exhibits for trial sat stacked against the jury box, witnesses were on standby, and Bilheimer, co-counsel Jim Simon, of Truckee, and the attorney for the landowners, Craig Diamond, made a last-ditch attempt to settle the case and avoid an expensive nine-day trial.
It was a scene worthy of Norman Rockwell. In spite of frayed nerves, financial worries, and months of unsuccessful haggling, the Friends of Banner Mountain; the landowners who blocked the trail, Jonathan and Jacy Davis; and their respective supporters sat politely without dagger-eyes, and courteously stepped aside as they passed each other in the narrow hall outside the courtroom. Bilheimer, Simon and Diamond conferred with gentlemanly friendliness. There were no good guys or bad guys, just decent people on either side of a deepening cleft in American life between those who assert and protect the public domain and those who would make it private.
It is a rift extending from our little towns and their trails to the oceans, atmosphere, and even your genes — which, until a landmark case in the U.S. Supreme Court a few years ago, had become the object of a veritable Oklahoma Land Rush as biotech companies attempted to privatize chunks of the genetic code that make you you, in anticipation of huge profits from selling them back to you as lab tests or medicines.
Nevada County's beloved ditches and their trails were built during and after the Gold Rush. Separation of gold from stone took water, and after 1852, hydraulic mining took even more. By 1860, the year the Lower Cascade Canal was built, California agriculture was bigger than gold, and the ditches supplied irrigation. By the 1890s they generated electrical power. After World War II, as ranches and timberland were split into housing developments, ditches also supplied water to low-density suburbs like Banner Mountain.
On the downslope side of each ditch, the berm of soil excavated from the trench that carries the water was leveled to form a trail still used today by Nevada Irrigation District ditch-tenders on foot. There was no intent to create recreational trails, so today NID's easement allows the agency to convey water but not dog-walkers and trail runners. But the broad, nearly level trails form an intimate, green path through quiet neighborhoods, away from the hazard of being hit by a car while walking or biking a narrow mountain road. There are breathtaking views, and always the sound of clear, rippling water. From the time they were built, the ditch-tender's trails were an efficient way to walk from one place to another. And under California law if a diverse group of people used a throughway across private land without having to ask permission for more than five years before 1972, an easement is formed for public use. That case law, and the 27 middle-aged and elderly witnesses Bilheimer and Simon were prepared to put on the stand to attest to the trail's long use, were the substance of Friends' case.
On the second day, 29 hours after arriving at court, the two sides reached agreement for a stipulated judgment. The Davises would take down one of the gates and leave the one along Gracie Road unlocked with a sign proclaiming public access. It was the third time since the late 1990s Bilheimer had defended the public's right to pass on the ditch trails. He said he was tired and walked back to his office.
But really, something more is needed. As it happens, the Recreation Planning Division of the Nevada County Planning Department is studying consolidation of western Nevada County's three existing park and recreation districts and other recreation opportunities in unincorporated areas of the west county through a Sacramento consultant, Economic & Planning Systems. The NID ditch trails are already on the county's Western Nevada County Non-motorized Recreational Trails Master Plan Map. And for over a century, thanks to California law and the overwhelming majority of landowners along them, the ditch trails have provided a safe and beautiful place to walk. However recent attempts to block them are a warning not to take them for granted.
Please make your wishes for their future known in writing to your member of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors.** To see which supervisor district you're in (and other cool information about your neighborhood) see https://gis.nevcounty.net/MyNeighborhood/.
And for those of you who use and love the trails, the Friends of Banner Mountain incurred tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees defending them. They invite you to contribute to their GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/save-the-cascade-canal.
*Jordan Fisher Smith is the author of the many award winning book, "Nature Noir" and his newest book, "Engineering Eden" was published last Tuesday in a paperback edition with a new foreword by Jack E. Davis, winner of a 2018 Pulitzer Prize.

CLICK HERE to see the original article in The Union newspaper.
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**P.S from MLT: You may also mention to your Supervisor that you would certainly like them to get going opening the six miles of legal public Emigrant Trail easements in south county, the ONLY county-owned public trail.  The Supes said they wanted this trail open THREE years ago and it still isn't open... www.EmigrantTrailConservancy.org

"El Dorado County is using $60,000 (of the $1.2 million) for the San Bernardino Bike Trail. The separated Class 1 path will run about one-third of a mile between West San Bernardino and East San Bernardino avenues for better bike and pedestrian access to Washoe Meadows State Park, Tahoe Paradise Park, and Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School. El Dorado County is also using $50,000 to help plan the Meyers Corridor Operational Improvement Project. In coming years, this project will deliver safer intersections, lighting, signage, and landscaping along Highway 50 and state Route 89."

To see the complete column in the South Tahoe Now website by Joanne S. Marchetta, the executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, CLICK HERE.

From the Mt. Democrat Newspaper, by Mary West:
"The Olmstead Loop Trail, in the Cool area of the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA), is an 8.6-mile stroll through some wide-open spaces. The 8.6 miles may seem like a lot but have no fear, every time I venture out this way, a new trail cutoff has been worn into the fields. Some are more pronounced than others. If you do get lost, which is easy enough to do, ask an equestrian, cyclist or fellow hiker the way. I usually keep the radio towers to my south and Highway 49 to the east when hiking in this area.

Off Highway 49, park in the car lot not the horse trailer lot. Head out on the trail at the south end of the horse staging area. The Olmstead Loop Trail meanders parallel to Highway 49 South behind a few horse ranches before in cuts west and into the oak woodland that makes up much of the area. Ponds dot the area, some more seasonal than others. In the wet season, it’s best to hike here after things have dried out for a week or two. If you go after a rain, you will find puddles, some quite large, to get around. Frogs and newts are common underfoot, watch where you step. Follow the trail markers to Knickerbocker Creek. Creek crossing during spring runoff can make for wet shoes. The trail comes out onto a road. Cross the road and continue on Olmstead Loop. Or follow the road back to the parking lot, or take the trail that runs parallel to the road back to the horse staging area and parking lot near the Cool Fire Station.

Much shorter loops are in the area and provide meadows, ponds and wildflowers in spring. It is worth checking out any time of year. I am always reticent to send people on Olmstead Loop. The directions have never been very clear. Maps don’t seem to answer all the questions, especially if a mud puddle has given you cause to go off trail."

(From Mother Lode Trails: There is a comprehensive review of this trail with maps and pictures in our LINKS section. Scroll down to Auburn SRA - Omstead Loop Trail, Map and Review.)

"To get there, follow Highway 49 north until you enter Cool. Just after the stop sign look for the Cool Fire Station on your left. This is also the entrance into the Auburn State Recreation area parking area. There is a $10-day use fee."

Mary West is author of the book series “Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide.” The books are a collection of Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, and favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.

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From the FATRAC Facebook page:
"We are happy to announce that the Bells-on-Bikes program has been expanded to several Auburn SRA Trailheads (Confluence, Drivers Flat, Grizzly, and Olmstead). Please help support the program by using a bell while riding (whatever you ride), running or hiking and returning it...or send in a donation to FATRAC if you opt to hold on to your bell. Also, if you notice bell stock getting low in any boxes drop us a note. Please spread the word!! And FYI Bell Boxes in Granite Bay, Darrington, and Sweetwater in Folsom Lake SRA are restocked as well."

From their webpage:
The FATRAC Bell Program" In 2018, Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition (FATRAC) initiated a bell program in the Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Areas to reduce conflicts and proactively facilitate better inter-user trail use. Many of the trails in the State Recreation Areas are multi-use trails that are very popular with equestrians, hikers and cyclists alike. As our trails become more popular, FATRAC wants to address the growing potential for trail conflict by doing our part to improve trail etiquette and make all users feel as safe as possible. One way we hope to accomplish this is by providing bells for all trail users. Wearing a bell, whether you are riding a bike, a horse, walking or running will make it easier to let users know where you are and avoid surprise encounters.
The way it works… 
(1) grab a bell from one of the several strategically located bell boxes; 
(2) strap the bell to your handle bars, saddle, pack or belt loop; 
(3) let it ring!; 
(4) return the bell to any FATRAC Bell Box OR donate $5 at www.fatrac.org/donate, keep the bell and FATRAC will buy more! Donate to FATRAC and the Bike Bell program here! Make a note along with your donation stating you want your donation steered towards the bell program and we'll make it happen." 

For more information CLICK HERE on the webpage.