Take A Hike: 5 Top Trails In Yuba Sutter
by Emily Lee
Hiking enthusiasts will marvel at the diverse landscape of the area – just one of the many features that sets Yuba Sutter apart from other counties in Northern California. There is a wide variety of terrain with mild to moderate-level trails. From day hikes (leading to waterfalls) to longer hikes throughout the Sutter Buttes (which is the world’s smallest mountain range!), the hiking in our region is endless. So grab your boots and go take a hike!
With so many hiking trails in the region, it's tough to know how to choose! Don't worry -- we’ve picked five of our favorite spots to get you started! Feeling adventurous?? Make a weekend of it and hike several of the trails listed below.
Click HERE to book your stay and spend a few days exploring the area!
Rice’s Crossing Preserve
Rice’s Crossing Preserve is located along a six-mile span on both sides of the Yuba River in the counties of Yuba and Nevada. As Bear Yuba Land Trust’s newest and largest property, Rice’s Crossing Preserve comprises 2,707 acres extended from Bullards Bar Reservoir to the North and South Yuba River State Park and Englebright Reservoir bordering the southern end. Opened officially to the public in 2015, the trail offers views of snow-capped peaks and a moderate-level trek. Enjoy the 2.25 mile hike on Yuba Rim Trail out to the scenic overlook and back. Identify birds and other wildlife, take photos of the stunning river canyon, and picnic in the meadow! There is no hunting allowed. Click HERE for location information and details.
Bullards Bar Hiking Trails
Bullards Bar Hiking Trails are host to several loops and paths varying from shorter .5 mile walks to 14 mile treks. Designated day use areas are perfect for an afternoon picnic, and resting after a day of outdoor activity. The trails offer a wide variety of wildflowers, ferns, pines, and firs, and are located near the Bullards Bar Reservoir in Dobbins, California. Click HERE for location information and details.
Black Swan Trail
Black Swan Trail is a beautiful two-mile loop trail located on Black Swan Preserve near the town of Smartsville. The trail weaves through blue oak and gray pine woodlands, and is home to several species of waterfowl such as the American Dipper and Belted Kingfisher, Western pond turtles, and other aquatic life. Black Swan’s grassland pastures, rolling hills and meadows provide habitat for bears, bald eagles, mountain lions and deer. Endangered, threatened and rare and/or declining species in the area include valley elderberry, longhorn beetle, western burrowing owl, and black rail. The Black Swan Trail is also ideal for observing wildflowers and birds. There is an intact wetland that is a critical habitat for the Western pond turtle, as well as bass. This landscape near the confluence of Deer Creek and the Lower Yuba River is rich in riparian habitat, blue oak woodlands, wetlands, and great groundwater-fed ponds. Click HERE for location information and details.
Hidden Spruce Trail
Hidden Spruce Trail follows the Collins Lake shoreline just north of the campground near the park entrance. The trails offer easy, short-distance hikes with beautiful views of the lake and area wildlife. Visitors can enjoy walking the shoreline or exploring trails around the lake as well as the Department of Fish & Game Wildlife Area which is also nearby. Find a perfect picnic spot or just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Click HERE for location information and details.
Feather River Parkway
Feather River Parkway in Yuba City offers nature trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. The city park held its Grand Opening to the public on Earth Day 2013, and the parkway runs right along the Feather River where visitors will find ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, rafting and swimming. You will also find a number of picnic areas with gazebos, tables, and rest rooms available. The Feather River Parkway also has several ADA trails within the three miles of loops. The Feather River Parkway is located at Feather River Blvd, Yuba City, CA 95991, and the park is open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Please contact City of Yuba City for additional details.