Humbug Creek Trail
DESCRIPTION:
No bikes. Pleasant heading down to river but not easiest climb. Hiking pleasure decreases during rainy periods when creek turns chocolate brown from mine tailings.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3220’-2140’ | Optional destinations if you arrange transportation ahead (See South Yuba River -- Washington Map): South Yuba Campground lies 4.5 miles downriver, and makes a nice way to come out of the canyon without having to return back up Humbug Creek. It makes an easy drop-off point on your way into Malakoff State Historical Park if you have a hiking partner with a second vehicle. Poorman Creek lies 10 miles upriver and makes a nice alternate destination but is a longer drive to drop off a vehicle at that trailhead. The Relief Hill Road makes a nice connection but is a slow drive and dusty in the summer. See South Yuba National Trail -- South Yuba Campground to Poorman Creek. There is also a challenging loop returning back up out of the canyon via Missouri Bar Trail, which is 2.5 miles upriver of Humbug Trail junction. Hikers would probably prefer to arrange a second vehicle at both trailheads. Total loop: 9.4 miles, including 3 miles along roads. The Relief Hill Road is a county road and has vehicle traffic. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Humbug Creek Trail
Topographic Maps: North Bloomfield. Trailhead is 2 miles west of North Bloomfield on North Bloomfield Road.
ACTIVITIES:
Historic Sites (Rating: Best)
Humbug Trail lies within the Malakoff State Historical Park and parallels the Hiller Tunnel Trail. Stop to see the exit portal for the tunnel. It is unsigned, but keep a sharp eye open as you drop down and you'll spot the short spur trail to the creek and tunnel portal.
This is the site of historically the largest and richest hydraulic gold mine in the world. The mine, which consisted of an open pit over a mile long and reportedly 600 feet deep, was closed down in 1884 by a court decision. Today the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park offers unique hiking and outdoor opportunities unparalleled anywhere else.
Much of the town of North Bloomfield remains and offers a glimpse of the life of the miners in the mid-1800s. The park offers guided walking tours of the reconstructed dwellings and businesses. Nice museum. Hours reduced in winter. Call ahead: phone (530) 265-2740.
Gold Panning (Rating: Good)
Alternate access to a stretch of the South Yuba River available for gold panning.
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Good)
This is an alternate way into the South Yuba River canyon and links to the popular South Yuba River National Trail -- South Yuba Campground to Poorman Creek. A shorter loop can be made by returning via the Missouri Bar Trail and using the Relief Hill Road to return to the Park. However, this is a county road and has vehicle traffic.
