The American River
  2. Posts

Stevens Trail - North Fork American

Last Updated 6/27/2023

This very well maintained trail is one of the most popular hiking and biking routes to the North Fork American River, in part because of its easy access from Colfax.

This very well maintained trail is one of the most popular hiking and biking routes to the North Fork American River, in part because of its easy access from Colfax.  However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to carry a whistle or hike with a friend.  The trail passes through oak, laurel, douglas fir, and huge stands of manzanita.  The wildflower displays here are rarely matched elsewhere in ASRA, particularly during April and May.  Take plenty of water and use caution, as the trail is hot during summer months and steep at times with narrow passages.  Poison Oak can be found along much of the trail.

  • Distance 4.5 miles to river
  • Approx length of time 1½ hours down, 3 hours up (hiking)
  • Difficulty Easy down, moderate up
Best Feature Along the trail is a beautiful cascading waterfall, and shortly thereafter is perhaps the most distinctive landmark on the trail – an immense bed of shale cascading down the mountainside.
Parking is on N. Canyon Way in Colfax.  From Auburn, take I-80 east to the 2nd Colfax exit and turn left on the frontage road, N. Canyon Way.  Continue 0.6 miles; turn left into a small parking area.  Look for “trail” sign marking the trailhead.
Sundays on the MFAWhat could be better then a relaxing Sunday morning floating along a scenic river? Whether you are a lone kayaker or in a group making a...
Welcome SummerWelcome Summer Memorialweekendhas come and gone and welcomed summer in the Coloma Valley. Soaring temperatures over the coming weeks bec...
Gold Discovery Tour / Gold PanningGold Discovery Tour Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is pleased to offer visitors guided walking tours! This is a 45-minute w...
2024 Western States Endurance RunThe Western States ® 100-Mile Endurance Run is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race. The Run starts in Olympic Valley, California, nea...