Mileage: 2.5 mile loop
Elevation: 4400 to 4840 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Use Level: Heavy
Season: May through October
Topographic Map: Haypress Valley 7.5'

Access: By Auto: At the northeast end of Sierra City turn off Highway 49 onto Wild Plum Road at the sign for the Wild Plum Campground. (The sign is located Just opposite the Yuba River Inn.) Follow Wild Plum Road for 1 mile to a new trailhead parking facility. Walk the trail from the trailhead 1/8 mile where it crosses the road this is the intersection of the Wild Plum Loop Trail. Here we suggest you take the road across the bridge for an easier climb up and nice views of the Sierra Buttes on the steeper descent back.

If camped at Wild Plum: The trail starts at the east end of the upper loop of Wild Plum Campground

Trail Description: This trail is ideal for visitors of the campground and Sierra City motels since it offers a delightful, short hike. The trail starts at either the new trailhead parking facility or at the upper end of the campground near Unit 31. It is best made in a counter-clockwise direction. From the trailhead parking facility walk the trail for 1/8 mile to where it crosses the road. Take the road across the bridge and through the campground (where campers will start onto the trail), climbing moderately through a mixed conifer forest. After approximately 1/2 mile you will see a creek on your left which originates on the slopes above the Hilda Mine. Here the trail leaves the road to the left. It remains relatively flat for another 1/2 mile, offering an excellent view of the towering Sierra Buttes.

The trail meets the Pacific Crest Trail at the bridge over Haypress Creek. Cross the bridge and follow the Pacific Crest Trail through a lightly forested area which provides several more glimpses of the Sierra Buttes. 1/2 mile past the bridge you will reach a fork. Take the left fork, clearly marked for Wild Plum Campground. The trail guides you down to a flat area near the old Wild Plum Guard Station (now closed). In a few more minutes you will be at the road which you can take to the left over the bridge and back to the campground or you can take the trail across the road back to the new trailhead parking facility.