Feather River 9/2 - 4 (Labor Day Weekend)

Save the date...

This will be a trip to Plumas County for a nice relaxed weekend. Last year we went no one was out there and the scenery is excellent.

More info will be posted as the date gets near (hopefully Dean will post some info). We will be doing either Stag Point or Cleghorn Bar. Both are easy trails and the camp spots at near a running river.

-------------------------

Saturday Travel Itinerary:
9:00 Meet at Pleasanton McDonalds (exit Santa Rita Rd.)
11:00-11:45 Meet non-Bay-Area members in Marysville at Wal-Mart supercenter (right turn at Feather River Rd./Beale AFB exit 20A on Hwy70). Eat early lunch and refuel. Local fast-food: Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC
11:45 Depart Marysville and head toward La Porte
1:45 Pass through La Porte
2:15 Reach Cleghorn Bar trailhead
3:15 Arrive at campground

Here are some photos from our trip last year and additional links about the area:

Forest Service Info

Right-click and save as: Garmin .gdb file with routes, tracks, and waypoints

Heading down the trail towards the Feather River.


Cleghorn Bar Campground






River access next to Cleghorn Bar

River Access at Stag Point:

Of the two campgrounds, Cleghorn Bar is the larger, nicer one and is immediately adjacent to the river. There are large, slow-moving parts of the river there that would make a great place to canoe, kayak, or float on inner tubes or other pool toys.

At Stag Point Campground, it's about a 100-yard hike to the river, but there's a beautiful creek nearby. But when we were there last year, it was a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which nullifies its appeal as a campsite.

However, it did have an awesome swimming hole.

As Huey mentioned, last year we had the entire campground to ourselves- on Labor Day weekend! Although we can't count on having the place to ourselves again, there may be a good chance that it will be deserted. It's very remote.

Note: The trails to either campground are very steep and narrow, with many switchbacks. While they are not technically difficult, the steepness and the narrowness of the switchbacks can be intimidating.

We're in!

We've been going in to both of these sites for over twenty years! A couple of our favorites. There are a ton of trails to explore in that area including old mining sites, grave yards, a little town with a bordello (closed now, sorry Andy) and lots and lots of creeks and rivers with good fihing. If I can be of any informational service, say the word. We may try to join you as well.

I am sooooooooooo in.

The scenery is sooo nice.

But I'll be in Pismo for Labor Day, had reservation since March

Well, Ron and I would like to make it, if someone can meet us on Sunday morning as Ron will be working on Saturday until 8pm. Hint, Hint...

Christi, the 23-mile roundtrip from the campsite back to the highway would take about 2 hours. If you're really nice to someone, they might be willing to meet you. To be honest, the trail isn't that difficult. It's steep in some places, but doesn't require any spotting.

When we went last year, the toughest part was getting to the trailhead.

The first place it's easy to get lost is just after you pass through the town of La Porte. Make a right turn at this intersection. The main road ascends slightly uphill at this point, and the turn isn't clearly marked, so it's easy to miss. If you end up heading towards Little Grass Valley Reservoir, you've just missed the turn.

The Cleghorn Bar trailhead is a left turn at this intersection . Again, the turnoff is easy to miss, and occurs after a long left-hand sweeping curve as the road ascends.

While driving on the trail, stick to the main, more well-traveled road. The campground is located here .

Here\'s some shots of trips past
Another cool spot up that way is Poker Flat...beyond Howland Flat. The road to Howland Flat goes along side a tunnel through which part of the river was diverted for mining. The road also continues over this tunnel. It's a very beautiful road with a lot of history.

Got some GPS coords for those places? There's not much literature on the 'net for that region.

Got some GPS coords for those places?

Howland Flat 120 53.181 39 42.885
Turn off to Poker Flat 120 52.748 39 43.011
Poker Flat 120 50.61 39 41.657

Akio and I went to Poker Flat a few years ago.

http://www.grovestreet.com/jsp/picview.jsp?album=48798

Yep. Huey is right, they did go to Poker flats a couple years ago - I know 'cause I was staring at them. Awesome views from our top-of-the world camp site. But the snow blocked one key trail run.

Is it worth revisiting (given that Cleghorn Bar is so close-by)?

Just my two cents...

The poker flats area has a lot of easy trails to explore, lots of great views and some interesting structures near the river. I remember Huey mentioning during a run that it would be a good destination to take 2wd X's. We had to double back out out of the prime 4x4 trail when it was blocked with snow. The area has its charm, depending on what you are looking for. As usual, the company really makes the trip. I would go somewhere else for pure wheelin'

I can't make the comparison to cleghorn bar, since I don't know it.

Cleghorn Bar looks like a great location. been wanting to head up there for years.

Question: would we be camping at the same location both nights? Or moving from spot to spot? And are kids going to be welcome on this trip.

Thanks

Same campsite for the entire weekend. Kids welcome.

Saturday Travel Itinerary:
9:00 Meet at Pleasanton McDonalds (exit Santa Rita Rd.)
11:00-11:45 Meet non-Bay-Area members in Marysville at Wal-Mart supercenter (right turn at Feather River Rd./Beale AFB exit 20A on Hwy70). Eat early lunch and refuel. Local fast-food: Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC
11:45 Depart Marysville and head toward La Porte
1:45 Pass through La Porte
2:15 Reach Cleghorn Bar trailhead
3:15 Arrive at campground

Sign up list for camping Sat 9/2 - Mon 9/4:
-------------

1. Dean/Connie
2. Huey
3. Akio/Catherine
4. Patrick (patrickmb)
5. Ryan (slamson00)
6. Christi/Ron - Sunday/Monday only
7.
8.
9.
10.

Maybe if I bump this to the top, it will come sooner.

Hahah! Yeah, I can't wait either!

Is anyone able to extend the weekend trip and depart a day early (Friday)?

It turns out I get Friday off of work, and it would be nice to avoid the traffic that is sure to build up on 580/205 on Saturday, especially since the Bay Bridge is scheduled to be closed.

I could go Friday.

Anyone else interested in a 4-day trip instead of a traffic-snarled 3-day?

Ron and I are going to have to pass on this trip. We have family coming into visit that we didn't know about. So we will see you at Incline Vallage. Which we do need to set up a meeting point near Sacramento.

I may have to turn this into a one night trip due to work deadlines (may have to work on Monday). Is this the kind of trail that I could head back out on my own on if I were to leave late Sunday afternoon? How much time from the campsite back to the pavement/highway?

Thanks

That's too bad that you might have to work. The trail is easy enough to get back out. It's about 45-60 minutes to reach asphalt from the campground.

Yeah tell me about it.....I am just hoping work doesn't ruin my entire weekend. Hour back to pavement isn't that bad.....could have an early dinner and then head out on Sunday. At least it still gives me a chance to go.

I can't take off Friday

But I can lead the Sat group in if you guys want to go in early. Dean, just send me diretions to get to the trail head and I can do the rest.

Any other takers? Matt, Josh, you guys still in?

Sign up list for camping Sat 9/2 - Mon 9/4:
-------------

1. Dean/Connie (leaving Fri?)
2. Huey
3. Akio/Catherine
4. Patrick (patrickmb) (leaving Fri?)
5. Ryan (slamson00) (possible 2 day trip)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Sign up list for camping Sat 9/2 - Mon 9/4:
-------------

1. Dean/Connie (leaving Fri?)
2. Huey
3. Akio/Catherine
4. Patrick (patrickmb) (leaving Fri?)
5. Ryan (slamson00) (possible 2 day trip)
6. Rommel (probably I will take a friend; Sat-Mon)
7.
8.
9.
10.

Sorry it took so long to answer this one. Up until about 30 minutes ago I had to work this weekend. Thankfully I have been able to get it off. I got to thinking "Hey, I'm the boss. I'll just schedule someone else." So I did.

Anyway, Dean, where and when do you want to meet?

Sign up list for camping Sat 9/2 - Mon 9/4:
-------------
1. Dean/Connie (leaving Fri?)
2. Huey
3. Akio/Catherine
4. Patrick (patrickmb) (leaving Fri?)
5. Ryan (slamson00) (possible 2 day trip)
6. Rommel (probably I will take a friend; Sat-Mon)
7. Casper + Puppy (leaving Fri)
8.
9.
10.

Casper

Glad you can make it josh (don't forget stickers! )!

On Friday, we're planning to meet up with Connie's family at their home in Penn Valley, about 15 minutes west of Grass Valley on Hwy20. Connie's dad and 4 of his kids (Connie's step-siblings) are coming, too. We won't be able to leave their home until all of their kids get home from school (probably around 3pm). From there, it's about 2 hours to the trailhead, and 45-60 minutes to the campsite.

So, I don't know where to meet if you're leaving Friday. If you don't mind waiting/caravanning from Penn Valley, you can meet us there.

Otherwise, I'm not sure when/where to rendezvous. This link highlights the route we'll take from their house to the campground.

Me too. Josh, are you still taking requests for food? If so, Connie wants something yummy and chocolately from a Dutch oven!

Change of plans for me. Connie's family can't leave Friday after all, and Connie has to work on Friday, so I'll be heading up on Saturday as originally planned.

Josh and Patrick, if you still want to leave Friday anyway, I think I've provided enough info, GPS coords, etc. on page 1 of this thread to get you to the campground.

The best campsites that can accomodate our group, provided they're not occupied, are towards the west end of the campground.

My plans are now up-in-the-air a bit and I'm not sure if I will be going or not. I may be travelling to Oregon this weekend. Sorry to waffle. I will get it nailed down by tonight.

So, it looks like I am going in solo on Friday. Good thing I have a puppy with me.

Stickers, got-em
Something chocolately from a dutch oven, I will see what I can do. I lent my d.o.'s to a friend, so I will need to get them back.

As to the camping spot. I will go to the gps you posted and find the best site I can. West end you say, no problem. Which way is west :rolleyes:
j/k

Casper

Josh.....what stickers are you referring to?

Yeah, what stickers????

No stickers in paticular...

I can say that you can have a free one if you attend this trip or the Xterra Champs event.

Huey --- Still meeting in Pleasanton?

1. Dean/Connie (leaving Fri?)
2. Huey
3. Akio/Catherine
4. Patrick (patrickmb) (leaving Fri?)
5. Ryan (slamson00) (possible 2 day trip)
6. Rommel (probably I will take a friend; Sat-Mon)
7. Casper + Puppy (leaving Fri)
8. Rich & Carol
9.
10.

Yup! see you there.

I can't believe you guys are all worked up over some stickers. Geez, they only look like this:

Dude Dean you weren't supposed to show them what the stickers look like!!!

BTW, they are the puffy ones with glitter on them. Bet you guys can't wait!

Oh and they are JDM!!!

Can I have some, too? Please, please, please.

Just confirmed I will be going to Oregon. Sorry to miss this one guys. Have a great time. I hope to come out ASAP on another weekend. (any other weekend)

As of now I am still in by the skin on my teeth. Will see you guys and gals at 11:00ish up at Marysville Walmart Saturday morning.

Shouldn't have opened my damn mouth last night......I can't make it this weekend. I need to work this Sunday as well as Monday. Will have to try this one again in the future...really wanted to go.

I am locked into the Xterra Championships later in the month though...I am holding onto that. Have fun everyone....drive safe!

1. Dean/Connie
2. Huey
3. Akio/Catherine
4. Rommel (probably I will take a friend; Sat-Mon)
5. Casper + Puppy (leaving Fri)
6. Rich & Carol
7.
8.

Hey Folks!

I think you better not bring the Hello Kitty stickers.... They're scaring everyone off.

RX

Hey guys,

I am trying to determine what clothings to wear for this weekend trip. I checked the weather forecast for Marysville, CA for Sat, Sun and Mon and it will be in the mid 90's. But, I think we are going to be at high elevation, correct?

Anyone has the weather forecast for the place where we are going to camp?

Rommel

Romel, this link should work.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/overview/051154?from=search_vert

Good trip guys. It was nice to see everyone. I will post a link to my pictures tomorrow, although I didn't get any of us wheelin .

Dean, Huey you guys make it home ok? How many battery changes?

Casper

It was a great trip! Very relaxed, and very enjoyable environment, and nice people to spend the time with. Bears didn't bother us (neither did fish... )...

Maybe this trip should be turned into annual trips...

Hey XPLOR what happened to the puffy, glitter, Hello Kitty stickers you promised?!
Great trip, lots of 'nature', however I would greatly encourage bear safety if you plan on going, the bear scat was just yards from an occupied campsite on the last day!
Lots of swimming & relaxing! Thanks everyone!
~ ~ C

Finally made it home at 9:20. With the help of Huy's battery swap in La Porte, then swapping my now fully-charged battery in Marysville, amazingly we were able to drive all the way to Pleasanton with the voltage starting at 12.3 and dropping to 11.4. However, after the voltage dropped to 11, it started to really drop fast. By the time we got to Mission Blvd. (just 15 miles), it was down to 9.4 before it started to misfire and stumble (and really lose power). Unfortunately, we were just 11 miles from home when it was obvious we weren't going to make it, so I pulled into a Chevron at Montague/880 and called AAA.

It was a great trip. I just wish it could have been longer!

Thanks for all the help getting us home!

Casper was supposed to bring those! He forgot!

Great trip guys! Glad you made it home fine Dean, sux that it was a mere 11 miles till you had to call AAA though (sooo close). BTW, my sun burn is killing me today, bought some aloe vera which is helping, how bout you Dean?

BTW, another successful trip without being eaten by the alien bear!

OMG, mine is killing me too! I briefly thought about calling in sick this morning. It wasn't very fun taking a shower.

BTW, I took the alternator in to the alternator shop, and they said I fried the VR. The combination of having a low battery myself plus jump-starting the Suburban did it in.

Uh oh, that's twice in a year that you've called AAA. I think that's the limit, isn't it?

Hey Fellow NCCXers…..

Carol & I really had a nice weekend. What a breathtaking area, we definitely would like to return next year. After leaving on Sunday, Carol and I headed out to check out Quincy and afterwords camped at the Plumas / Eueka campsite near the mining museum there. About a mile or so before the campsite we were treated to a brief encounter with a black bear. The bear jumped on to the road in front of us, looked our way momentarily, and dashed off into the woods on the other side of the road. This was a definitely a treat for us. On Monday morning we set out to do the Gold Valley trail but this was cut short as we made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up back on the HWY close to LaPorte, so we called it quits and headed home early to beat the traffic.

I am glad Dean, Connie and your adventure machine (The Pathfinder) made it to the Bay Area even with a busted alternator.

I had a very nice Labor Day weekend. Good company, nice camp ground next to a river, etc., what else can I ask for?

Now I know the Xterra can really climb. Josh pulling a heavy off-road trailer made it to the top. I know that the trail to the campsite is very steep. My cycling friends call me "Pure Climber" because I can pretty much climb anything with a road bike or mountain bike; but, climbing that trail with a mountain bike gave me so much leg pain. Now, I have a new found respect for the Xterra.

Rommel