Fir Top
Combine this route with a visit to Saddleback Lookout or the Devils Postpile, and you have a nice day's outing.
Combine this route with a visit to Saddleback Lookout or the Devils Postpile...
...beautiful views along the trail...
DESCRIPTION:
Sidetrips can also take you over the Chimney Rock OHV route or drop you down into scenic Canyon Creek on the Poker Flat OHV route.
There are beautiful views along the Fir Cap OHV Trail, and these can best be enjoyed when heading downhill (south). Still, the best viewing opportunities are from Saddleback Lookout which lies in the center of this combination of three trails. Continue north following the Saddleback Road to Saddleback Lookout - especially during summer when it’s staffed.
The Fir Cap geologic formation is actually a volcanic rock cap of andesite over the native rock structure.
4WD road, more difficult, short - about 3 miles. See West Slope Map, Downieville Area, northwest of Downieville.
DIRECTIONS:
To Fir Top
To the upper (north) end: Access the Saddleback Road along Highway 49 at "Cannon Point" - yes there actually is a cannon there - about 1/4 mile west of Downieville. Follow the Saddleback Road north uphill to where it intersects with the road west to Cal-Ida. Continuing right up the main road takes you to the Lookout. Instead, turn immediately right again onto the access road. In a little over 1/4th mile turn right (south) onto the Fir Cap OHV route.
To the lower (south) end: Follow the Saddleback Road uphill (north) for roughly 5 miles to the The Excelsior Mine Road where it branches right from Saddleback Road near Oak Ranch and the Monte Carlo Mine and town site. The lower (southern) end of the Fir Cap OHV route branches to left at a saddle off of the Excelsior Road about a mile east of the Saddleback Road. It returns to the Saddleback Road about a half-mile south of Saddleback Lookout (but over a mile via roads).
ACTIVITIES:
OHV - 4-Wheel Drives (Rating: Good)
Give this little road a "best" when you combine it with Poker Flat with a sidetrip to Chimney Rock. The manzanita brush has narrowed the road to the point that recognize you'll get brush scratches.
OHV - All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) (Rating: Good)
Short, but nice views. Combine it with other routes for a day's outing. Saddleback Road that accesses the area is a County Road. The narrower ATVs will drive the brushed in road with fewer paint scratches than 4WD vehicles.
OHV - Motorcycles (Rating: Good)
Combine this little route with other trails in the neighborhood. Saddleback Road that accesses the OHV route is a County Road.
