| About Tahoe National Forest |
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| Haypress Creek Trail |
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Beginning Elevation:
4,400 Feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Elevation Gain:
1,440 Feet
Ending Elevation:
5,840 Feet
Length, One-way:
3 Miles
USGS Map:
Haypress Valley 7.5
Reservation:
No
Season:
June - October
From Sierra City, Travel east on Hwy. #49 for approximately .5 miles, turn right onto Wild Plum Road and travel approximately 1 mile, the campground will be on the right. The trailhead is at the east end of the upper loop of Wild Plum Campground. About 0.5 miles past the campground the trail takes off from the road to the left. Follow it to an intersection .25 miles past a bridge over Haypress Creek. Haypress Creek Trail is to the right.
Location Information
Haypress Creek Trail is a moderately difficult trail at an elevation of 4,400 feet. This trail is fairly flat for approximately 0.5 miles 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 0.25 miles to a fork. Take the right branch marked "Haypress Creek Trail". The trail climbs for about 0.5 miles 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 land, the trail follows a skid trail for 0.25 miles. 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 reentering 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 the 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 a mile.
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