Area by the waterfall was cross able but only if you want to get knee deep in rushing water, still pretty to see though. The town was flowing with gold and, by the 1870s, was one of the largest towns in all of California. Turn left, and you will follow this narrow, winding road The trail is located in Colfax just off of Hwy 80. The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. Many people struck it rich and you can see why some considered the possibility of making Iowa Hill the state capitol. Perfect day, didnt run into a single person until almost back to my car. dangerous. Iowa Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens Trail. If you are going to do the whole trail take the right (bike/equestrian path) or you will not be able to get through. Unincorporated community in California, United States, Iowa Hill bridges over the North Fork of the American River, This CDP also has portions in an adjacent county or counties, Colfax Record Newspaper, Colfax, California, Personal memories of the daughter of Robert Yonash, Schools of the Iowa Hill Divide: The Iowa Hill Divide Volume 1, 2nd Edition, Towns and People of the Iowa Hill Divide: The Iowa Hill Divide Volume 2, Gold and Fire - A History of the Iowa Hill Divide: The Iowa Hill Divide Volume 3, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Iowa Hill, California, "Placer County's Iowa Hill finally gets telephones", "Total Destruction of the Entire bueinss portion of Iowa Hill", "Small Town Iowa Hill Gets Landline Phone Service", "California Town Gets Phone Service for First Time in History", "Resolution T-17114. These towns are located in Northern California. a bend almost two miles in we began to see the river getting closer and Sadly, all of those camps eventually disappeared. About 50% of the town's homes are vacation homes. FGC 3004 It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. Rounding The story of the Stevens Trail begins with the establishment of the Gold Rush mining communities of Illinoistown and Iowa Hill, separated by the steep North Fork American River canyon. Mother Lode Field Office The last stream crossing was deep and a little tricky to get across without filling your boots, even with tall gaiters. The weather was perfect and I even went for a quick swim! The Iowa Hill Store acts as a restaurant, bar, post office and ultra mini-market. There are dozens of famous gold mines in the area, including "Big Dipper" and "Gleeson"[11][12], Frank Norris wrote a short story in 1903 titled The Wife of Chino about local miners who went into town to use the Iowa Hill Post Office.[13]. The mine is said to be unstable and extremely dangerous. Nature & Wildlife Areas Game & Entertainment Centers, Stevens Trail, Sacramento: Address, Stevens Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. Its easy to find and convenient right off the highway. I've done this hike many times and love it, especially in the Spring when everything is blooming. Mineral Bar Campground:18 campsites on the North Fork off Iowa Hill Rd. mostly unknown section of the trail, it definitely sports some pretty Turn right on Canyon Way, and follow it about 3/10 of a mile to Iowa Hill Rd. http://members.psyber.com/asra/tgsteve.pdf, http://www.colfaxrecord.com/article/iowa-hill-state-capitol-it-was-considered, https://archive.org/stream/historyofplacern00lard/historyofplacern00lard_djvu.txt, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Chronicle, http://auburn.ca.gov/services/Clerk/Docs/Agendas/CC/Item%207%20from%20CC%206-24-2013.pdf, http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/iowa-hill-historic-gold-mining-town/sieFEBF0E08B9EFD2FC7, http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/stevenstrail.html. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. Weather was perfect. The Stevens Trail Trailhead Located at Colfax. To take-out, take the Canyon Way exit off I-80 at Colfax to the Colfax-Iowa Hill Road. The trail begins in a forested area and opens up to gorgeous views of the North Fork canyon. ), letting me know that was the worst spot. For an added adventure you can walk through this short tunnel. the trailhead down to where it passes an old mine entrance, about 1.5 miles. Beautiful day! The Stevens Trail was built in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens, who ran a ranch in Iowa Hill and a livery stable in Colfax. And with all of that gold, came prosperity, expansion and more people. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Overview Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. The success of Iowa Hill also sprung up several mining camps nearby like: Birds Flat, Elizabethtown, Grizzly Flat, Independence Hill, Montana Flat, Roach Hill, Stephens Hill, Succor Flat and Wisconsin Hill. Suffice it to say, I give this trail a 10 with respect to the beauty of the American River and the canyon views. between Colfax and the gold fields of Iowa Hill, it slopes gently downhill for about Terms of use | Privacy | Cookie policy. (Every year or so it is "rediscovered" in a Sacramento Bee Last stream crossing near the river was too high and fast moving so we didnt cross it. Drinking Water must be carried with you. The water level was up on the water fall crossing before you get to the cave a mile and a half or so in. Distance. After that the trail becomes very narrow and is not recommended for horses [2] Iowa Hill is now registered as California Historical Landmark #401.[5]. In 1857, a massive fire destroyed most of Iowa Hill. The Stevens Rail Trail is part of the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, which follows the historic Concord-Claremont Railroad corridor. PleaseRECREATE RESPONSIBLY. After about half a mile, you'll cross a seasonal tributary to Slaughter Ravine with a narrow (maybe too narrow for some) board to cross. This ended up becoming the well-known Jamison claim. Today it is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. Muddy in spots. east up the canyon on the way back to Iowa Hill. 3 E Clampus Vitus and so recorded. It continues The Historic Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California. [1] Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. [8] Turn south on Casa Loma Road to the trailhead. It begins at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American River. Stevens operated a ranch in Iowa Hill and a livery stable in Colfax. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Running from Old Warner Road in Davisville . Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. The way there is a breeze but the way back is mostly up hill which was challenging. Since ambulance service from Colfax takes a long time, emergency medical transport is supplemented by CALSTAR, the area's air rescue helicopter. More of a moderate hike than hard. Enjoy, Water level is super high and made the last crossing extremely challenging! About as long but with a little more elevation change than the Stevens trail out of Colfax. National Register of Historic Places in Placer County. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Iowa Hill-the other Stevens trail Hiking trail in Iowa Hill, California (United States). Stevens Trail EAST. This trail was designed for people to travel from Illinoistown to Iowa Hill. The Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Iowa Hill. Do not block driveways and please respect private property rights. Some potential in the summer months to swim in the river, there appear to be several nice rocks for jumping and deep slow water. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days. a great treat after a long winter in Reno. Managed by BLM, the Like many other historic towns of Gold Country, Iowa Hill is a living testament to the Gold Rush era. After his time in Iowa Hill, he would go on to greatly influence Californians both in Placer County and statewide. Built by Truman Allen Stevens it was used as a toll road for miners that needed to get from the mining town of Iowa Hill to the railroad town of Colfax. The trail traverses sections where the whole hillside is carpeted with blue, yellow, purple, and gold wildflowers highlighted against a blue sky, and green hills dominated by oaks and gray pine. It became a toll trail from Colfax down to the North Fork of the American River at Secret Ravine. This means there are also birds and evidence of wildlife. In 1901, the post office changed its name to Iowa Hill. Stevens Trail (Colfax) Stevens Trail (Iowa Hill) Iowa Hill Road Near Big Dipper Road: Iowa Hill: 1870: National: 2002001391: Iowa Hill: Stevens Trail (Iowa Hill) Travelers' Rest: 291 Auburn-Folsom Road: Auburn: POI: Auburn-Folsom 0291: Travelers' Rest: Truckee Trail Marker 39: Pacific Crest Trail: Iowa Hill (formerly, Iowa City) [2] is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California, United States. consumption, no matter how clean it looks. View trail Colfax-upper Steven's trail loop Save to a List Hiking ClipperCreekWanderer Distance 3.18mi Elevation + 846f Check out my section on Iowa Hill for more information. Sometimes there is only a trickle of water. A local pup who will greet you Pet Friendly Notes Pets must be on leashes. Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Popular activities are hiking, cycling, swimming, whitewater rafting, kayaking, gold panning/mining and fishing. Elevations are about 3,200 feet in Gold Run & about 2,800 feet in Iowa Hill. Turn south on Casa Loma Road to the trailhead. [2] The Iowa City post office opened in 1854. I can imagine theres even more after a big storm. The Iowa Hill Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised. You'll pass a high railroad bed, the infamous China wall built by Chinese laborers. Enjoy your visit! Wayne 2 years, 10 months ago Stevens Trail East (5/24/20, 8:49:46AM) Elevation Profile. [10] This service uses microwave towers to the Foresthill Telephone Company in Foresthill, California. It begins at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American River. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Part way down the trail divides: The upper route is strictly for It started to rain and it looked majestic. By 1880, the gold mines of Iowa Hill produced roughly $20 million dollars. This was the main route from "Gold Run" to "Iowa Hill". The damage was estimated to be around $500,000. Neff was an early Iowa Hill resident who built his empire on the very gold mines that propelled Iowa Hill into a boomtown. Save up to 70% off Outdoor Gear & Apparel. Just off Interstate 80 in Colfax is the Stevens Trail. Suggest edits to improve what we show. When parking along North Canon Way, be sure to legally park alongside the road safely out of the traffic. I legit was going to turn around, but another hiker encouraged me (thank you! poison oak. Leave early. After many years of being a full time freelance writer, and a long time resident of this state, I've decided to turn my full attention toward California by exploring all that it has to offer. back down and rejoins the lower route, marked for bikers and equestrians. First half of the trail shaded well, second half is sparse. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. 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