Malakoff Diggins Loop Trail

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

DIFFICULTY:   Moderate, Elevation starts at 3,300 feet range.

ELEVATION GAIN:  Total gain, with all ups and downs is about 900 feet

HIKE DISTANCE:  5.5 miles.

GENERAL LOCATION:  16 miles north east of Nevada City.  

DESCRIPTION:   This hike will start with a uphill assent of about 500 feet on the Upper Humbug Trail for about 1 1/2 mile; followed by undulating foothill trail above the diggings on the Rim Trail for about 1 1/2 mile; followed by downhill segment of about 1 mile; than a loop around the diggings on the Diggins Loop Trail for about 1 mile; and 1/2 mile trek back to the start.  The trail generally is in sunny foothill woodlands ecosystem comprised of chaparral dominated by manzanita, buck brush, and chemise oak and foothill pines with some small meadows along the way.  Hopefully we will find wild flowers along the way.

BACKGROUND:  The trail skirts the edges of the Malakoff mine pit which is 1 mile long, 1/2 mile wide, and 600 feet deep.  The area is now within the Malakoff Diggins State Park.  Back in 1866 thru 1884 this area was the site of the largest hydraulic mining operation, displacing some 41 million cubic yards of earth, much of which ended up in the Sacramento valley drainage system.  Several million dollars of gold was taken from this operation. 

Travel Time / Distance:    Travel time 1 1/2 hour.  The driving distance is approximately 60 miles. A large parking lot is located at the trail head.  The lot is within the State Park system jurisdiction, and will require a $10 deposit in an envelope at park entrance and displaying of the receipt tab.  Those with State Park access pass will be appreciated.   Suggested donation to driver is $9.00 for travel plus $2.00 for the parking cost if needed, total $11.00.  We expect to return to Lincoln Hills about 3:00 pm.  Detailed driving directions listed below.

Hike Leader / Sweep:    Leader: Phil Huntingdale / Sweep: Stephanie Huntingdale. 

Special Notes:

Facilities: Toilet facilities at trail head, and at the end.        

Risks: Some poison oak is found along trail and you need to be careful of ticks.  A good insect repellant would help. At this time of year, and with the recent rains, the trail will encounter muddy section.  If we continue to have rain, there could be some small creeks to cross and loose rocks along the trail. 

Lunch break: Snack or early lunch break will be at the mid-point.

Questions:    Call Phil (or Stephanie)  916-408-1747, or email smccoubrey@sbcglobal.net.

Preparation for Hike:

1.      Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), Health Card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you when you hike.

2.      If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking.

3.      Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.

4.      Trekking poles are advised, along with lunch, snack, water and sun screen.

MEETING TIME: 7:30 in the Orchard Creek Parking lot - leaving time is 7:45 am.