Saw a Bear Hiking Near Auburn and the North Fork of the American River

Auburn State Recreation Area

Just outside of Auburn, take 49 South in the direction of Cool and Placerville. Park your car as soon as you cross the North Fork of the American River on the right side of the road. You'll see a road sized trail heading off to the south west toward an old bridge. That is No Hands bridge, and it is a great place from which to take pictures. On the East side of the bridge, opposite from Auburn side, is the trail to Cool. Take that trail up into the woods. The whole area is very well signposted, but the signs are very confusing if you're trying to find the Western States Trail. So, my advice is don't. I recommend the route I took. Take the Training Hill Trail until you see the sign for the Quarry Trail. Take it until you see the sign for the Short Cut Trail. This will take you back to Highway 49 and you can walk back down to your car. This loop is about 6 miles, and it is mostly shaded. It is steep at first, but it is well worth it. Just look at the pictures.

Guide Book Critique

This hike is number 19 in my book, 100 Classic Hikes in Northern California. Though I like this book for finding hikes, it is not so good in staying on the recommended trail route. One major complaint that I have about this book are the maps. The maps only show the trails that the author intends for you to take, and other trails are indicated with stubs that end in an arrow. So, should you want to extend your trip, or if you wonder where any of these trails go to, or if you become lost, you will need another map that shows all the trails. On this hike, I seemed to miss my turnoff to stay on the route recommended by the book, but it doesn't matter. I still had a great hike.

Signs Don't Make Sense

When you take your turn onto the Quarry Trail, you'll see the sign says, “Western States Tr. 2.3 M.” The very next sign says, “Western States Tr. 1.6 M.” back the way you came! So, trust me, don't trust the signs. This section of the trail is just to the side of Highway 49 by about 50 yards, and you hear the traffic. So, this is not the hike for those who want to feel completely removed from civilization. In fact, this hike is surrounded on three sides by the highway, though most of the time you don't hear it, or see it. There are also power lines and signs indicated buried cables throughout this hike, so take that into consideration if you are really trying to get away from the touch of humans.

Saw A Bear

As I was making my way down the Short Cut Trail, I looked across the valley and saw a big black bear on the other side of the valley. He was in the middle of a grassy area, and I could see him clearly through the branches on my hillside opposite him. He didn't hear or see me, and was just slowly making his way up the hill. It was 4PM and this was the best bear sighting I've ever had in broad daylight. I stood still and watched him walk up the hill until he disappeared into the manzanita. After that the trail switched back and passed just beneath the grassy place that the bear had been. I kept my eye out for him, but didn't see him again.

Great Swim

At the end of my hike, I was quite warm and dusty. I wasn't sweaty anymore, though I had broken a sweat on the first steep uphill part. I took a swim in the American River north of the bridge that I drove over to get to the trail. There are signs warning of currents, so be careful and know your limits. Make sure it is deep enough before you jump or dive in. I took three swims and lay out on the sunny rocks enjoying the warm breeze. This was definitely one of the better days.