Map to the North Fork trails

Got an email yesterday from someone wanting to hike along the North Fork of the American River. She was asking how to get to the North Fork from Sacramento.

Obviously there are a lot of different trailheads and trails along the North Fork, so I was initially stumped for a response. But then I remembered the wonderful new American River Confluence Parkway Map that Protect American River Canyons (PARC) recently posted. It's a great introductory guide to the popular trails and flora and fauna of the area around the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. If you can find your way to Auburn on I-80 or Hwy 49, you can find your way to some short hikes along the Middle and North Forks of the American.

You can view the map online or purchase a copy of the map and brochure for $7.50. Go to the PARC map page for more details. And say "hi" to the river for me, okay?

Great resource for hikers

We recently discovered Russell Towle's blog, North Fork of the American River, "Accounts of explorations in the Great American Canyon, Placer County's Yosemite." As Russell says,

It is my philosophy that the old trails of the North Fork need to be known, not unknown. The North Fork of the American River--its wildness, its beautiful scenery, its historic trails and mining ditches and prehistoric sites--deserves every kind of protection and preservation. But this protection and preservation is hardly possible if no one knows the great canyon, and its great old trails.

Russell has done his part. In over 100 posts over several years, he tells stories of his hikes in the North Fork canyons. He talks of wildlife, goemorphology, trails, and conservation politics. Interspersed with the stories are maps and trail logistics. Highly recommended!

Hunting Season at Cronan Ranch

If you're hiking, bicycling or horseback riding at Cronan Ranch, please be advised that this is deer season, and hunting is permitted. Wear bright-colored clothing and make lots of noise! Hunters are supposed to sign in at the gate, but we've been advised that no sign-in sheet is posted, so don't assume there is no one there.

Per the BLM's Cronan Ranch Draft Management Plan, hunting at Cronan Ranch "is restricted to deer during the general season, turkey in the fall season, quail, and mourning doves, during the seasons specified by the CA Department of Fish and Game. There will be no hunting for bear, squirrels, rabbits, jackrabbits, waterfowl, furbearers, or non-game species."

A number of people have expressed concern about whether it is safe to allow hunting in an area where so many people are enjoying outdoor recreation. We understand that the new BLM field office manager, Bill Haigh, is considering changing the policy. If you would like to weigh in with your opinion, please send a letter to

William Haigh
Bureau of Land Management
Folsom Field Office
63 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630

(Note: corrected office manager name 10/20/06)

There is a downloadable copy of the Cronan Ranch Draft Management Plan on the Folsom Field Office web page.