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A great hike along and on top of the flume next to the west branch of the North Forth Feather River.


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Map Key

10.2

Miles

16.4

KM

Point to Point

1,618' 493 m

High

1,446' 441 m

Low

1,283' 391 m

Up

1,162' 354 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Some of the trail has been washed out and would be considered intermediate. I also would not recommend taking dogs as the flume boardwalks have spiky gross to prevent slipping and I think it would be pretty painful for your dog's feet.

Need to Know

The metal flumes can be very slippery when wet or icy. If you are afraid of heights then you probably shouldn't hike this trail.

Description

This trail follows the PG&E flumes along the West Branch Feather River. It can be accessed in a number of places in between start and end, e.g. off Dean Road. Contrary to the elevation profile above, this trail is actually very level as it follows the canal. Along the way you'll have sections on dirt and catwalks over the metal flume. The scenery is impressive and you get excellent views of West Branch Feather River. Enjoy the abundant wild life.

Flora & Fauna

The flumes are a prime mating habitat for California newts. Especially in March you'll find hundreds of newts in the canal. This trail is also a great birding spot pretty much all year round, including quail, wrens, sparrows, hummingbirds, and even the American dipper.

Shared By:

Tilman Giese with improvements by Zasey Oreskovich

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#15516

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
17%
Trail Rankings

#1,620

in California

#15,516

Overall
29 Views Last Month
6,395 Since Jul 15, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

40%
0%
20%
40%
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Photos

Hiking the trail.
Aug 22, 2021 near Paradise, CA
Flumes along West Branch Feather River
Jul 15, 2018 near Magalia, CA
Waterfall along the flumes
Jul 15, 2018 near Paradise, CA
West Branch Feather River and the flumes paralleling it
Jul 15, 2018 near Magalia, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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