Some of us are blessed with the ability to traverse many types of terrain, some are not. This trail is one of the few trails I’ve been on that provides people with this opportunity to do so. I truly appreciate gems like these and that’s why I am sharing it to you. The Independence Trail is truly an accessible trail for many such as people with wheelchairs. Also, it’s a short and easy drive from Sacramento to Nevada City, California.
On a strange weekend in May, a storm slowly crept into central California. The Sacramento area was expecting 2-3 days of heavy rain. It has been about two weeks since I’ve hiked so Saturday morning was the only opportunity to hike before the rain came in. Being prepared for the rain was also in the books just in case it did rain while in the middle of a hike.
On Saturday morning, I embarked on this journey. I was committed to hiking and geared up with the right equipment just in case it rained. Independence Trail was calling my name. The drive from Sacramento to the trailhead is about an hour and fifteen minutes. Fairly close with awesome places to visit on the way there and back.
Independence Trail
Independence Trail is located in the El Dorado National Forest. The drive is about 1.25 to 1.5 hours from Sacramento. At about 70 miles away, it’s not that far. In fact, you can visit Nevada City and Auburn after this hike.
We began driving at 630 am and arrived at around 8 am. The winding roads weren’t so bad and Google maps was on point. Parking was easy to find with a compact car. We were the first ones there! Cell phone service was limited in the area.
The trailhead is located on a curve of highway 49. It can be easily missed if you do not see the signs. Nonetheless, if you do pass it up, you will know you did if you see the Old Route 49 Bridge Crossing. There are two major parking areas for the trail so if you miss the first lot, you can park on the second lot.
Location of the Trail Head: Google Maps
The Hike
Upon arriving at the trailhead at 8 AM, my car was the only vehicle in the lot. The trail was easy to identify. About 50 feet into the trail, there is an overpass that you will walk under that is about 5 feet tall. The other option is to walk across Highway 49 to the other side of the trail.
The trail is straight forward and ends at Jones Bar Road. In some areas, the trail is full of shrubs and some were muddy. The wet environment brought out our salamander friends which were neat. Keep in mind, it would drier in the summertime. I enjoyed much of the points of interests on this hike.
The Rush Creek Falls area on this hike is actually quite marvelous. The water from the spring melt made the area so beautiful. There was an old walkway that was closed off. In fact, the wooden walkway is actually quite beautiful itself.
As you get you Jones Bar Road, you have an option to hike back the same way or down and up through the bottom of Rush Creek. We decided to go down to see the South Yuba River up close to make things interesting. Keep in mind, the path we took was not wheelchair friendly.
After the viewing Yuba River, we hiked up the path to the Independence Trail. This route was significantly shorter but more intense. Also, it had a lot more mosquitoes. At the end of the climb, we were back near the beginning of the Independence Trail.
We ended the hike with a good sweat and drove towards the Old Route 49 Bridge Crossing for some good views. At the bridge, you could see people mining for gold and people enjoying the scenery. After, we headed to Downtown Nevada City for food and coffee.
Downtown Nevada City
This city is quite beautiful, especially during the Winter times when they have holidays lights around town. Though small, the hospitality of the people is well worth it. Finding a great place to refuel here is easy. With plenty of options, you really can’t go wrong.
Ike’s Quarter Cafe
We ended up at the eclectic Ike’s Quarter Cafe that specializes southern New Orleans cuisine. The place was unique with decor that brings smiles to faces to anyone who has been to New Orleans. With plenty of room and a large menu, this place is a must.
The food here comes in big portions and bring in quality that you want in your meal. We tried the Egg Sardou and Cajun Steak and Eggs. The Egg Sardou is a popular item at Ike’s. It is, essentially, eggs and biscuits. The Cajun Steak and Eggs was just about perfect. I would suggest the Steak and Eggs.
Crumbunny Coffee Roasters
After refueling with good eats, we searched for coffee. We landed upon Crumbunny Coffee Roasters which was relatively new. The place isn’t your normal coffee house, it’s more than that. It’s a place where you get to know who makes your coffee, where it comes from, how it’s made, and why each coffee means something to the establishment.
The place is neat, the owners are amazing, and the Amalia Royals made my experience personal and unique. The coffee is amazing. Hands down! I wouldn’t suggest any other place for coffee in the area than this. Come here!
After food and coffee, it was time to call it a day and head home. With a good hike, great food, and amazing coffee, it was totally an experience I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall
The hike was easy and safe. It’s great that dogs are allowed as well. the Hike is about 5 miles in and out depending on what route you take. It took us about 2 hours with taking photos and checking out areas of the hike.
We would definitely recommend this hike. Just keep in mind that it is a popular hike in the area and some dog owners don’t clean up after themselves.
Quick Links
Trailhead: Google Maps
Trail map: All Trails
Park Information: South Yuba State Park
Food: Ike’s Quarter Cafe
Coffee: Crumbunny Coffee Roasters
