Stevens Trail

Best known as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails to the North Fork American River, in part because of the easy access from Colfax. However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of fluids as well as carry a whistle. The entire trail is primarily shaded, passing through oak, douglas fir, and large stands of manzanita. The wildflower displays are rarely matched elsewhere in the area, especially during April and May. Use caution as the trail is hot during the summer months and steep at times with narrow passages. The Stevens trail begins conveniently at a parking area on N. Canyon Way just north of Colfax. After a short walk, the trail intersects an unmarked firebreak road, turn right on the dirt road. Further along the trail meets yet again another firebreak road, veer to the right and look for a metal 'trail' sign a few steps further to the left. A trail sign will direct bikers to the right and hikers left. The trails will eventually rejoin after traversing the rocky outcropping that occurs. Further 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. You can also see the remains of a mine shaft, abandoned long ago. Right above the bed shale, is the Cape Horn section of the first Transcontinental railroad. The original railroad bed was cut into the steep canyon wall, by Chinese laborers suspended on ropes. After about a mile, look for a trail sign pointing to the left. From this point on, the trail enters the steep North Fork American River canyon and traverses the canyon up river. This part of the trail offers beautiful views of the river as well as the Iowa Hill Bridge. The trail will meet the river at Secret Ravine, and although the trail is fairly easy down to the river, take the opportunity to rest and cool off in the cold river before starting the more difficult trip back to the trail head.