One of my favorite springtime walking trails is the Buttermilk Bend Trail in the South Yuba River State Park. The park is famous for its bridge, the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, which is the longest, single span, covered, wooden bridge in the world. While that bridge is pretty darn spectacular, it’s the wildflower trail that draws me to the park in the spring.
The Buttermilk Bend Trail wends its way high above the Yuba River creating some grand panoramic views. It’s an out-and-back trail, one-and-a-quarter miles each way. Except for a couple rough spots, the dirt trail is well maintained and a comfortable walk. The river’s a bit low this spring, but it still sparkles from high above.
The main event in the spring are the wildflowers. It’s a rainbow, a profusion of color, that dances gently in the breeze. It’s a dynamic display that changes with the warming weather. Early come the bright orange tufted poppies, then the deep violet spider lupine and intricate pagoda-shaped Chinese houses, and finally the late arriving butter-colored monkey flowers.
This spring, they’re all jumping into the rainbow early, it seems. Is that a drought induced hurry? Or are they just responding to the recent warm spells? Early and late were crowding the trail’s edges and flowing down towards the river like painted waterfalls. Flower falls?
Except for the $5 parking fee ($4 for seniors), access to the park, the bridge, and the flower-frilled trail is free. It’s one of California’s many beautiful state parks that preserve the land and provide access for all of us to enjoy. It will be too hot for flowers and hikers like me come May, so if you’re going to enjoy the flowers, now is the time. Enjoy.
For more information: South Yuba River State Park, Buttermilk Bend Trail and other trails, Wildflower Checklist, and the Covered Bridge.
What’s your favorite springtime hike?
Do you have a favorite place to see springtime wildflowers?
Click below to leave a comment. I’d love to read about your favorites!
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Nice writing and photos. It's a great trail
Thank you for the reminder. I was just wondering when to go!