Poorman Creek, South Yuba River, and Washington Hotel Lunch
Saturday, May 5, 2018

DIFFICULTY:   Moderate. 

ELEVATION GAIN:  Difference between high and low points is 400 feet.  Total gain, with all ups and downs is 1000 ft. Elevation at trail head about 2500 ft.

HIKE DISTANCE:  6- miles

GENERAL LOCATION:  Near town of Washington (off CA 20, past Nevada City).

DESCRIPTION:  This is a very pleasant hike in the South Yuba River Recreation Area.  The hike follows Poorman Creek to the South Yuba River, then continues along the Yuba.  The water flow in Poorman Creek and the South Yuba should be  magnificent. There are beautiful moss covered trees, majestic forests of Douglas firs, Ponderosa pines, oaks, and more.  Wildflowers should be gorgeous. Most of the trail is covered with wonderful oak leaves and pine needles; plus a bit of scree. The trail crosses McGilligan Creek (on a bridge);  we will continue until we must turn back to get to our planned lunch., pausing for a brief snack lunch. There are numerous vistas of the many rapids on the South Yuba.  The area is famous for the Placer mining along Poorman Creek and the Yuba.  On the way home we will stop and visit the Washington Hotel (built in 1867), where we plan to have a late lunch (netween 1:30 and 2:00) – which will be a unique experience and good food.  Check the link below to learn about the hotel. The town of Washington is a throwback to the gold rush era. Washington - town and hotel - is like being in a timewarp.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: 2 hours each way. One way distance is about 60 miles. This is a $9 driver donation. Please have the correct bills.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.  We plan to return home around 5:00.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Dave Wood/Monique Wood

SPECIAL NOTES:

     FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  Pit toilet at the trail head.  Also, we will plan to stop at Burger King in Grass Valley on the way (Brunswick Road exit).

     PREPARATIONS 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.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. Bring hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellant, water, snack.

     RISKS:  There are some precipitous parts of the trail, with a drop off to the river.  The trail is wet, with a number of creeklets flowing across it.   Poison oak is always a potential threat along the Yuba River.

     DRIVERS:  The final 200 feet to trail head parking is down a steep, dirt slope.  We should have at least one driver with a high-clearance vehicle (not a Prius) that can handle that.   Fortunately, some space is available on the main road for parking.  If you plan to drive, please print out the directions from here.  

    WEATHER:  Expect it to be a cool start.  Rain cancels the hike.

QUESTIONS: Dave/Monique Wood 916-408-7562

MEETING TIME: 7:00. - leaving time is 7:15. The timing is to allow for a bathroom stop on the way, and get to lunch before 2 PM. 

 
Link to Washington Hotel

Some prehike photos