North Valley Trail
Look for remnants of the old Public House and the squared stone with the date chipped into it near the Trail Head. The trail ambles up North Valley through open, grassy meadows and scattered oaks. It drops gently through mixed forest to Little Dry Creek Valley. As it climbs comfortably to the ridge and North Pittman Road, the trail crosses grassy slopes and slips by fields planted by the WA for wildlife forage. Little Dry Creek Pond lies south of the trail as it crosses the creek. An administrative-use road drops south to the pond.
...drops gently through mixed forest to Little Dry Creek Valley. As it climbs comfortably to the ridge and North Pittman Road, the trail crosses grassy slopes and slips by fields planted by the WA for wildlife forage.
...little used trail will be enjoyed by hikers that are looking for a bit more challenge.
DESCRIPTION:
3.0 miles, Moderate; Elevations: 540’- 650’-390’-510’; Time: 1½-2 hours; Tread: old double-track road. Trailhead on the east is on the Old Spenceville Road/Trail and west on the North Pittman Road (administrative traffic only) a little north of Pitman Pond and the WA field headquarters. Equestrian trail riders and hikers. No bikes.
The trail is popular for equestrian trail riders but closed to mountain bikes. Within the rolling foothills of Spenceville WA, this little used trail will be enjoyed by hikers that are looking for a bit more challenge.
DIRECTIONS:
To North Valley Trail
From the east and Grass Valley: Drive 12.5 miles via Highway 20 west of the Highway 49/Highway 20 intersection in Grass Valley. Continue to the black-topped Beale Air Force Base road (Hammonton Road). Turn left (south) and drive 3.8 miles to Smartville Road. Turn left again (south) on the blacktopped road and drive 1.8 miles to graveled Waldo Road. Follow south until cross the Waldo Bridge and then left again onto Spenceville Road. Trailhead parking and a small camping site just before it lies another 2.3 miles. Park near the old concrete bridge. Follow the “Old Spenceville Road/Trail” east, upstream for 1.1 miles to the North Valley Trailhead.
From the west and Marysville: Follow Highway 20 towards Grass Valley and east as it climbs into the Sierra Foothills. After 15 miles turn right (south) onto the Beal Air Force Base road (Hammonton Road). After leaving the highway follow the directions above.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
Makes a great loop when linked to nearby trails.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
Nice hike all by itself, but makes a hardy exercise if you combine it with nearby trails.
