SPENCEVILLE WILDLIFE AREA/FAIRY FALLS

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

DIFFICULTY: Easy, except moderate along steep streamside descent from falls

ELEVATION: Trailhead at about 400 ft.

GAIN: Rolling terrain with only about 400 ft. elevation gain to top of falls

HIKE DISTANCE: 5 ½ miles

GENERAL LOCATION: Spenceville Wildlife and Recreation Area, managed by the California State Department of Fish and Game, is a treasure in our own backyard, just a short drive north of Lincoln past Lake Far West. The area is noted for its variety of wildflowers and birds.

DESCRIPTION:  Trail follows Old Spenceville Road for about a mile to the site of the former mining town, then joins the single-file Upper Loop Trail climbing through oak-studded wildflower meadows, with good views of rolling foothills. A short, steep path brings us to the top of lovely two-tiered Fairy Falls (also called Shingle Falls). We then descend a steep, rocky trail about 1/4 mile to see the lower falls and eat lunch on rocks at streamside (a pleasant place to dip our feet). Hike is easy except for this steep stretch. We will return via the rolling Lower Loop Trail, which is somewhat more shaded and boasts a different array of wildflowers. Depending on recent rainfall and temperatures, wildflower sightings may include Mariposa lily, live-forever, blue and white-whorled lupine, yellow pretty face, blue dicks, wild carnation, larkspur, farewell-to-spring, blue and white brodiaea, jewel flower, buckeye, and two kinds of poppies. This area is also popular with birders for sightings ranging from the common wild turkey to the shy California rail.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Driving time 50 minutes. Beautiful route on back roads through ranch- and grass-lands north of Lincoln—only about 24 miles, but last 5 miles are on dirt roads (very dusty unless there have been recent rains). Suggested donation to drivers $6.00.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Gay Mackintosh/Barry Mackintosh

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: NONE. NO GAS AVAILABLE ON THIS ROUTE. NO TOILET FACILITIES AFTER LEAVING LINCOLN HILLS.

PREPARATION FOR HIKE: Hiking boots and poles are advised for the steep, rocky path along the stream to view the falls. Bring lunch and water. Parts of trail are in full sun; wear sunscreen and bring insect repellant for possible gnats. Bring rain jacket if showers are predicted.

RISKS: Lots of poison oak off trail (but easily avoided). Be prepared for sunny trails through open meadows and insect activity.

QUESTIONS: Gay Mackintosh (408-5092)

MEETING TIME: 8:00 a.m., for 8:15 leaving time

Picture of Fairy Falls