Exploring
FORESTHILL DIVIDE
By Ron Evans
| |
|
In
the 1850s, prospectors came here looking for rivers
of gold. Today the only rush is the one people get
from rafting the rapids. Once, pack trains followed
the narrow dirt paths from mining camp to mining camp.
Now they are trails through time for hikers and downhill
runs for fat-tire fanatics.
The
Foresthill Divide may not be as familiar as the rest
of California’s Mother Lode, but it got noticed
anyway, thanks to the glitter of gold. Running through
the southern end of the Tahoe National Forest, the
Divide still offers up treasures—ancient sequoias,
challenging river runs, and the Western States Trail.
|
|
Forest
where? It’s a fair question, since it seems that anyone acquainted
with the Foresthill Divide is trying to keep it a secret. Follow
the Foresthill Divide Road into the mountains between the North
and Middle Forks of the American River, and you’ll understand
why. The road meanders through the Auburn State Recreation Area—42,000
acres of fishing, mountain biking, and a slew of other outdoor
adventures. Shutterbugs and acrophobes take note: The Foresthill
Bridge traverses the North Fork at a height of over 700 feet.
Foresthill,
originally a crossroads trading post, sits 18 miles from Auburn.
Local legend holds that in the 1850s, it was believed the area’s
gold yield would cause the town’s fame to eclipse San Francisco’s.
To capitalize on this perceived notoriety, or perhaps give the
city of St. Francis a raspberry, Main Street was made wider than
S.F.’s Market Street. Guess who had the last laugh.
Today it’s
a great place to load up on supplies before heading into the wilds.
The historic Forest House has been a town staple since 1860, at
times as a brothel and gambling saloon. Now, it’s a restored
hotel, with indoor and outdoor dining. Phone (530) 367-2840. Other
local eateries include the Robber’s Roost, the Red Dirt Saloon
& Ore Cart Steakhouse, and Laurie’s Kitchen.
|
Foresthill in the good old days
|
|
 |
For local
history, there’s the Foresthill Divide Museum (open weekends
May-October). A walking tour brochure is available from local
merchants.
The best way
to experience the Divide is via its backcountry trails. The Western
States Trail, running from Squaw Valley to Auburn, is the setting
of two high-stamina, single-day races: the Tevis Cup 100 Mile
Ride (for equestrians) and the Western States 100 Mile Run (for
ultra-marathoners).
Of interest
to non-superhumans is a 13-mile section known as the Michigan
Bluff to Last Chance Trail. Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, it connects the former mining camp sites of Michigan
Bluff, Deadwood, and Last Chance.
Pick up a
free copy of the Forest Service’s "Foresthill Road Driving
Tour Guide." Among the points of interest is the Foresthill
Forest Genetics Center, where seeds are germinated for replanting
in the Sierra. Tours are available by contacting the Ranger District.
Off-highway
vehicle enthusiasts will find the China Wall staging area a good
jumping-off point. In winter, these OHV trails are groomed for
snowmobiles and backcountry skiers.
At Robinson
Flat, 30 miles from town, you’ll find a campground, access
to the Western States Trail, and the Duncan Peak Lookout, used
by the Forest Service for spotting forest fires.
Looking for
more? Try Mosquito Ridge Road. It parallels the Middle Fork of
the American River, popular for both its scenery and the occasional
Class IV and V rapids. Rafting trips on both the North and Middle
Forks of the American are offered by several companies—among
them O.A.R.S., (800) 346-6277; Mariah Wilderness Expeditions,
(800) 462-7424; and EarthTrek Expeditions, (800) 229-8735.
Be sure to
stop at the Placer County Big Trees Grove, the northernmost grove
of giant sequoia, protected since 1892.
The road ends
up at French Meadows Reservoir, a hot spot for boating, fishing,
and shoreline camping. Even if you’re at a dead end in the
Divide, you’ve still got options.
online
