Tahoe National Forest

Mileage: 3 miles, one-way
Elevation: 4,400 to 5,840 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Use Level: Light
Season: June 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 opposite the Yuba River Inn.) Follow Wild Plum Road 1 mile to a new trailhead parking facility. Walk the trail from the trailhead 1/8 mile where the trail crosses the road. Walk the road across the bridge and through Wild Plum Campground. About 1/2 mile past the campground the trail takes off from the road to the left. Follow it to an intersection 1/4 mile past a bridge over Haypress Creek. Haypress Creek Trail is to the right.

If you're camped on Wild Plum: The trail is accessed by starting at the upper end of Wild Plum Campground. About 1/2 mile past the campground the trail takes off from the road to the left. Follow it to an intersection 1/4 mile past a bridge over Haypress Creek. Haypress Creek Trail is to the right.

Trail Description: From the upper end of Wild Plum Campground follow the new road for 1/2 mile. You will see a creek on your left that originates on the slopes above the Hilda Mine. At this point turn left and follow the well-maintained and marked trail. The trail is fairly flat for approximately 1/2 mile to the footbridge across Haypress Creek. In this short section you have an excellent view of the Sierra Buttes. Just before the bridge the Wild Plum Loop Trail merges with the Pacific Crest Trail. Cross the bridge and follow the PCT for approximately 1/4 mile to a fork. Take the right branch marked "Haypress Creek Trail." The trail climbs for about 1/2 mile through an open, rocky area until it reaches a mixed conifer forest. It then follows an old wagon road onto private land. Due to recent logging activity on this road, the trail follows a skid trail for 1/4 mile then veers right onto a road for another 1/2 mile. Stay on this main road and do not get discouraged by the hike along the road. It will soon be well worth the walk.

Shortly before re-entering National Forest land the route becomes a trail again. It then follows the contour of Haypress Canyon, traversing through an old growth red fir forest. While listening to the rumbling of Haypress Creek, you will pass a lovely waterfall. Soon the valley opens and the maintained trail ends. A four-wheel-drive road continues up Haypress Valley. This spot is very close to Haypress Creek and is an ideal place for a relaxing rest and a picnic.

For variety on the return hike, instead of turning left when you reach the Pacific Crest Trail, turn right and follow it a few hundred yards to the Wild Plum Loop Trail junction. Follow the signs to Wild Plum Campground. This trail takes you down to the old Wild Plum Guard Station (which is now closed) and back to the campground in just over 1 mile.

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