Day hiker: Euchre Bar Trail is tough, risky and breathtaking – and worth the hike

As the temperature rises, I find myself seeking higher elevation. A remote trail, different rocks, a new bend in the river, and a unique view of the canyons is refreshing. Today, I am looking for a challenge. I want a bit of blissful suffering to ease my melancholy at watching spring, and the abundant wildflowers we have enjoyed this season, give way to the heat of summer. I'm headed for Euchre Bar Trail, a 6.5-mile, out-and-back trail. Just above Dutch Flat, I take the Alta exit off Interstate 80 east. From the exit, go right to Casa Loma Road. About a mile down the road, Casa Loma splits, both called Casa Loma Road. Go to the right. You will see a small Euchre Bar Trail sign, up high, on a large pine tree. Cross two sets of railroad tracks and follow the road to the breathtaking Iron Point Peninsula. I can't help but stand at the point and look out at the view. Tall pine-covered hillsides in every direction. Snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains to the east, ridge lines that seem to reach all the way to the coast to the west. I offer a respectful nod to the trees that have been beaten by wind, rain and sun for years and still hold strong to the rocky soil they call home. Just below the point, find the Euchre Bar Trail Head parking area, with bathrooms. Fully packed, I make my way down the steep 3.25-mile hike to the wire suspension bridge at the river. I suggest a good pair of walking sticks, as there is an 8.5% grade on this trail composed of 14 switchbacks. Poison oak thrives here. Dried leaves on the trail can be slippery. Good knees are essential for this trail. Much of the trail is shaded, but sun protection is always advisable. Just when you are thinking this is not worth it, you will see the corner of an old cement foundation. Locals say it's the foundation of the miner's store from ages ago when this area of the river was home to many seeking their fortune in gold. Just before the bridge, the trail becomes narrow with river rocks before it opens to the pedestrian bridge over the North Fork of the American River. After you walk to the center of the bridge and take in the view of the river, you can find easy access to the water's edge from a small footpath on the west side, where you entered. This water is swift moving and cold, with unknown dangers below the surface. Swimming is not advised, although kayakers will drag their vessels down the trail to put in at this spot. Across the bridge, you can continue the trail that runs along the river and find more mining artifacts. Or the bridge may be your halfway point. After a hearty lunch and plenty of water, get ready for the hike out. This trail is considered by many to be moderate down and difficult up. The repetitive switchbacks are a grind. This may be my favorite part. It feels good to push myself. It feels good to know I can get there and back and live to talk about it. When I question my choice on difficult trails, I remind myself how lucky I am to be physically capable to hike our trails and how grateful I am to live in this amazing place where treks like this are so nearby. Every possible risk can be found here, so be cautious. Bring water, and let someone know where you are going and when they can expect your return. This is bear, lion, snake, poison oak and tick habitat. Wear good hiking shoes or boots. You are off the grid here. There is no cell service. For all of these reasons, I like this trail. Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (2nd edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California's Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 CRAFT Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the series – Day Hiker Gold Country Trail Guide – by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.