Dorer Ranch Road & American Eagle Mine Trail
DESCRIPTION:
Gated -- no motorized vehicles. As this is a gated road to the historic ranch and private land, it is the easiest access and climb out -- especially for mountain bikes -- assuming a 2100’ climb is ever easy. The road continues through the ranch and private land; stay on the road until reaching the actual public trailhead to Euchre Bar below the ranch. Second only to the American River Trail, this part of the canyon offers an excellent, nearly year-round access to several miles of Wild River. It provides the only trail bridge crossing the river. Once you reach the river below the ranch, left (downriver) is Euchre Bar Trail, and to the right (upriver) the trail goes to the American Eagle Mine, 1 mile.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4180’-2080’ | Euchre Bar Trail drops down the north side of the American River, crosses a bridge, and connects to the Doer Ranch Road in the canyon below the ranch. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Dorer Ranch Road & American Eagle Mine Trail
Topographic Map: Westville. Follow Foresthill Divide Road east 10.25 miles, then turn left on Elliot Ranch Road # 26 (F). Continue up this road about 2.5 miles to Doer Ranch Road intersection and gate. There are no signs, except for "not recommended for autos" on the steel gate. This connecting road un-mistakenly drops down into the canyon. Park near the gate (no motorized vehicles allowed on the Dorer Ranch Road) and head down to the historic ranch. Note: the Elliot Ranch Road continues west for about 3.4 miles to the spur road that leads to the Greenvalley Trailhead. This connecting route is not signed well, and it is easy to get on a wrong road. Plus, it is narrow and brushy to the point that the connection should be avoided unless you have the appropriate vehicle and savvy. In short, I’d avoid the short-cut and go around.
ACTIVITIES:
Fishing (Rating: Good)
This is one of the best ways to drop into the wild canyon and reach the good fishing. Nearly 4 miles of hiking trail parallels the river and eases the access.
See Fishing the North Fork American River: Sailor Flat Trail to Euchre Bar Trail.
