Flume Trail at Dean Road. Photos courtesy of Casey Jones Photography.
Hiking trails on the Ridge
I
n spite of the impacts of the Camp Fire there are still trails to be hiked on the Ridge. Some of them are untouched by fire and others are great examples of how fuel reduction projects made a difference during the Camp Fire. Using the trails identified in the book The Flumes and Trails of Paradise by Roger and Helen Ekins as a guide, here are a few trails that continue to provide a great outdoor experience on the Ridge.
great opportunity to see how nature responds after a wildfire.
The hike down the road to the Miocene Head Dam is one mile with an elevation difference of nearly 1000’ so be prepared for a strenuous hike. Bring plenty of water in warm weather.
Little Pearl (1 mile, round trip)
The easiest way to find this aptly named and popular local swimming hole is to drive up the Skyway past the Magalia Reservoir, then park in the cleared area at Skyway and Dogtown Road. Then (very carefully!) cross the Skyway and walk Bille Park Nature Trail up to the dirt and gravel road directly across (.5 mile, round trip) from Dogtown Road. Go down this road about a Located on Bille Road, one mile west of Miocene Head Dam minute, then look for a service road, immediately Skyway, but best accessed via the West in front of you. After 9 or 10 minutes along this Wagstaff entrance, Bille Park is definitely one of the jewels of road (which parallels Little Butte Creek), look for the switchParadise. The main hiking trail is west of the gazebo, on the north end of the park--just look for the sign for Indian Rock back trail down to Little Pearl. Because this trail is steep in (613’), the Grotto (1,231’) and Lookout Point (1,463’) which spots, bring good walking shoes. ends at a cement bench–a perfect viewing spot for glorious Paradise Lake (up to 9.5 miles, round trip) sunsets. Although no pets or swimming is allowed (this is the Town’s Butte Creek Trail West (up to 5 or 6 miles round trip) drinking water), Paradise Lake is one of the most beautiful For dramatic vistas of Butte Creek (and the chance to try some places to either hike or ride mountain bikes. There is a fee legal gold panning if you are feeling lucky) drive up the Skyway for using the parking areas (located from Coutelenc Rd. off of some 9 miles from Wagstaff, then turn left on Powellton Road either Lucretia or Northlake Rd.), but you can also purchase and continue on the middle road, which is now Doe Mill. At an annual pass from the PRPD once you decide to become a the bottom, cross over the bridge, begin heading up the other regular visitor. side and look for the white trail marker on your left, parking Yellowstone Kelley Heritage Trailway anywhere you have room. Then follow the trail downstream for as far as you feel like going. This is especially lovely in the (up to 11 miles, round trip) Recently renamed in honor of past resident, Yellowstone Kelly, spring. a famed Western figure, this old railroad bed, which runs through the middle of town, is paved and therefore ideal for Head Dam Road to Dam Located near the intersection of Skyway and Coutelenc Road, all kinds of bicycles, tricycles and the like. In fact, locals usually this hike offers a glimpse at the recovery process after a fire. call it “the bike path.” It can be accessed at any one of several Known for the McNab Cypress, this area was severely burned cross-streets, but the best place to park is at the Community but many plants are already returning. This area provides a Park on Black Olive near Pearson Road.
36.................................................................................................. PARADISE RISING Resource Guide for the Ridge
FALL/WINTER 2020
