Location: Auburn, CA [Google Maps]
Distance: 2.3 miles
Type: Day-hike; Loop
Rating: Easy
Permits & Fees: There is a $10 parking fee (cash only). Parking is limited during the weekends and summer months.
Preparation
Since this is a popular hiking area, it is best to come earlier in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Park along Old Foresthill Road (parking is limited during the spring/summer seasons).
The Hike
The Stagecoach Trail is located near the Lake Clementine Trail, on the opposite end of the Old Foresthill Road Bridge. At the trailhead, there is a sign that displays several different trail options:
From here, the trail starts off leveled, but soon turns into an upward climb. This continued until I reached another sign. In order to continue on the Stagecoach Loop, take the trail that reads “Russell Road via Stagecoach Trail”:
From here, there are several other signs that offer alternative routes back down the mountain, but the main trail continues upward. Due to the amount of rain that we’ve experienced this year, part of the trail was washed away. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to maneuver this obstacle:
The rest of the trail is fairly straight forward. There are additional signs that read “Flood Road”, but following the “Stagecoach Trail” routes will lead you back down to the start of the trail. At one point, the trail turns into a clay stream (again, due to the amount of rain we have been having), but is fairly easy to manage.
Overall, this hike is simple to navigate and is great for a day away from the city.
