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The trail winds through old growth forest. Notice the many trees of different sizes, ages, and species. If you happen to visit during the spring, wildflowers are plentiful along the trail.
The trail winds through old growth forest. Notice the many trees of different sizes, ages, and species. If you happen to visit during the spring, wildflowers are plentiful along the trail. This short trail offers scenic views and is easy enough to be enjoyed by the whole family. The trail intersects with the Placer County Big Trees trail. Pick up a self-guided, interpretive brochure of the Big Trees Trail at either the Foresthill Ranger Station (on Foresthill Rd 1.2 miles before you get to Mosquito Ridge Rd) or the California Welcome Center in Auburn. The entire length of both trails is approximately 1½ miles. There is a picnic area adjacent to the upper parking lot with tables, BBQs, piped water, and restrooms available.
From Foresthill, take the Mosquito Ridge Road (Road 96) approximately 24 miles to the Placer Big Trees turnoff, and turn right. The picnic area and trailhead are one half mile from this turn.
Kaspian Campground is located on the west shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe and offers easy access to Lake Tahoe for kayaking and swimming.
The first 1½ miles of the trail follows an old mining road and is relatively easy. The trail then becomes steeper, with many switchbacks as you drop down to the North Fork of the American River.
The deep, rugged canyons of this area remind us of the hard work and remote life of the early miners who lived and worked in many of the drainages of the area.