WITM: Pinecrest National Recreation Trail

This weekend was my first hike since my birthday that was not done by the book.  Instead of staying near the Sacramento area, we headed somewhat southeast on Highway 108 to Pinecrest, near Dodge Ridge Ski Resort.  

Our hike was part of a day trip we took to get away for a few hours.  Pinecrest is a popular man-made lake, with a campground, cabins, and even motel accommodations for the less wilderness-loving folks.  On the lake is a marina that offers rentals for the day to those who want to enjoy the lake by being in it.    

After a short spin around the lake on a rented pontoon boat (where we enjoyed beers and snacks), we set out on the trail.  Beginning at the beach area near the marina, we followed a short sidewalk which soon turned into a dirt path.  There were quite a few people walking along the trail along with us, though the farther we went the thinner the crowds became.  

We crossed the dam and ascended a stone staircase.  We then followed the trail as it wound around above the lake's shoreline.  Looking down we saw swimmers in small coves and their lonely kayaks sitting on the rocks nearby.  Farther out we saw fishing boats, and the occasional pontoon boats full of people.  We even saw a handful of sailboats drifting along.  

As we came around a turn in the trail, we saw something I'd never seen on any hike: a lemonade stand.  Two or three boys had set it up and we all lamented not bringing any cash with us.  When we asked how much they had earned so far, they replied with "about fifteen dollars."  Their profits were undoubtedly lower than they ought to have been simply because most people were surely like us, and didn't think to carry cash.  I hope that with their next stand, they think to put up a sign at the beginning of the trail.  In fact, we saw a few interesting sights on the way.



Some of the things...



...we saw along the way.



Hey, anybody got a quarter?

We made our way toward the far side of the lake, alternately in the sunshine or under the shade of pine trees.  Once there, we climbed up and over the hills of granite and a wooden bridge spanning the creek that feeds into the lake.  The creek was moving at a pretty good pace, sending water splashing down the rocks at breakneck speeds only to end up in a calm cove full of more swimmers and boaters. 

The last leg of our hike was an easy walk with little up or down.  The only real difficult part was that much of the trail was soggy with small trickles flowing across here and there.  More than once I found myself struggling for balance after the ground shifted under my feet.  Shockingly I never did fall down completely - maybe I'm becoming more graceful, who knows?  

Soon we returned to the beach where we had started and settled in to enjoy some barbecue before heading back home.  



That, folks, is how you finish a hike.



To see a map of this hike, click here.

Fairy Falls Trail

First things first: this hike requires a little clarification of the driving directions provided in the book.   Drivers are instructed that "staying to the left" on Smartville road will lead to the turn at Waldo.  However, instead of remaining Smartville Road, bearing left will turn into Chuck Yeager Road.  This must have been a very recent development, because at the time of this post Google's street view still shows a sign that says Smartsville Road.  Take my word for it, if you miss the turn you will wind up going five miles waaay out of your way and have to backtrack when you realize you are in an area with no waterfalls whatsoever.  

 

Now.  On to the good stuff. 



Our trail began at the end of Spenceville Road.  Since the day was looking like it would be pretty warm, we got started early, about mid-morning.  We crossed an old concrete bridge to reach an old jeep trail.  Our journey consisted of about 6 miles of deep red dirt trail through golden knee-high grasses, craggy rocks, and scattered oak trees.  The entire area is pretty dry despite the creek, and the trail wound gently up and down rolling hills, with the occasional steep ascent.  In addition to the landscape, part of the environment included the nearby Beale Air Force Base and consequently, the sounds of aircraft could be heard in the background every once in a while.  

For the most part, the trail was a 4-wheel drive road wide enough for as many as four or five people to walk comfortably side by side.  We found that this fact, combined with easy inclines, mild descents and a bit of shade here and there made for a good time walking and talking.  Other sections of the trail were narrower and better traversed in single file.  These sections tended to be steeper, and more overgrown as well.  However, the heavier shade we found while walking on the narrower trails was more than welcomed.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky the entire time we were out and only a slight breeze (also welcomed).  

One of the steeper hillsides

At one point we had a choice of staying on the road or taking a shortcut across a field via one of the aforementioned narrow paths.  Wishing to take the road less traveled, we chose the small path.  We also quickly learned that along with the grass comes grasshoppers.  Lots. Of. Them.  Like a swarm of locust, they bounded around us and as we rejoined the larger trail we swore that we'd take the main road on our return trip.  Sometimes the road is less traveled for a reason.  

Dirt can be pretty; different shades swirl
around one another on the wider jeep trails

Shortly after our battle of the bugs, we reached a narrow stretch that lasted about a half mile or so.  During this stretch we found our fair share of solitude (a welcome change from last week's much more populous location).  The only people we saw during that time were each other.  Truth be told, we didn't see much in the way of anybody for most of our walk.  A few fishermen were seen near the creek and we passed a handful of groups as we finished our hike, but that was it.  

As we neared the falls we came upon some rocky terrain.  Large boulders took the place of the trail as we descended toward the pool below the falls and climbing was involved.  It is worth noting that while not extremely strenuous, sure-footedness is definitely needed for this part of the hike.  One misstep could have disastrous results, as the frequently klutz that is me almost learned first hand.  



OhCrapOhCrapOhCrapcrapcrap!  Oh...Well done.
-My body



Having arrived at a little past noon, we enjoyed the opportunity to rest and relax near the water.  The shoes came off and feet were cooled in the creek.  We both regretted not bringing our swim suits.  The pool seemed pretty deep and would have been perfect for a swim before heading back up the trail.  Instead, we dipped shirts and hats in the water before heading back after our thirty minute rest.  The day was getting warmer the longer we sat there and neither of us enjoyed the prospect of trekking throughout the hottest part of the day.  

I see it! It's just over there.

Getting closer....

And we made it!





Hoo hoo!



We climbed back out of the pool and retraced our steps.  Back up the narrow trail, under the fallen tree, down the tie-dyed dirt road.  We remembered the swarm of grasshoppers and though we marveled at their jumping ability we decided to forgo round two of animal versus human and walked along the road and across the cattle guard.  Soon enough we were back at our vehicle and on the road to home.  Just as we were climbing in the truck two jets from the base flew overhead, like one last show before our day was over.  





To see a map of this hike, click here