Key Reasons to Go: Upper Trail: loads of ferns; River Trail: hop-trees (Calflora info)
Directions: Take Hwy 49 north from Hwy 50 (Placerville) toward Coloma. About three miles you will come to a downslope and an apple orchard with a sales building identified as the Red Shack. Park along the right side of the road just opposite this fruit stand. There will be a rock monument with a brass plaque, and an off-putting barbed wire fence! Note that the fence is bent back next to the monument and you can in fact slip into the property. You may want to climb over the farm gate, but no matter how you get past the fence, you are welcome to visit.
Here is a TopoZone map online: Flume
Trail : Here is a 36k PDF plant
list.
GPS Users, Set a waypoint to UTM 10 687562E 4292234N (NAD27)
The
Flume Trails are worth a day's time to explore even during the winter
months because of the variety of ferns, lichens, and mushrooms you can
ponder.
The trailhead is less than inviting because of the fence, but you are best able to squeeze in between the fence and the monument. Do read the plaque to learn about the flume.
There are two trails: the upper trail is a little hard to spot but it's on the left and will lead you to an old mine location and a great view of the river; the more obvious trail is longer (maybe two miles?) and will descend to the South Fork of the American River.
The upper trail is mostly a walk to look at ferns. Even in summer, the shady trail will offer a chance to observe several varieties (see the plant list). There are also many interesting lichens, including the strange little "golf tee" Cladonia. The trail is short (about a mile) and ends up at an old mine that is not a dangerous open mine so much as an interesting grottoe of water surrounded by more ferns. Still, exercise caution and keep an eye on the kids. It's appropriate to sit a bit and have your lunch as you stare at the river view below. This place is so shady, however, that you will soon be ready to hike back up the gentle incline to return to your car.
The
lower trail will be more obvious when you come
past the fence. This trail (about two miles?) is an old road and descends
to the river. In spring there will be a nice display of poppies and lupines,
plus a number of other great flowers. Maybe more interesting is the hop-tree
(Ptelea
crenulata) that is pretty abundant if you keep your eyes open. It's
not especially notable unless in flower or when gone to fruit (shown at
right). It isn't rare or anything, just more an unusual find in this area.
Once you get to the river you will find that there is some fun to be had exploring along the rocky shore. If you are dedicated to removing non-natives, take clippers and have at the broom and berry plants that are invading the area.
The hike back up the hill to the parking area will warm you up on a cool day!