Point Defiance Trail & Loop
This is the sister trail to the renowned Buttermilk Bend Trail in the heart of the South Yuba River State Park at Bridgeport. Point Defiance lies downriver of the longest single-span, arch-truss, covered bridge in North America. Depending on which direction you chose to follow the loop, either begin your hike to Point Defiance by strolling across the historic bridge or loop in the counterclockwise direction and end it there. But don’t fail to enjoy the bridge.
...Point Defiance (elevation 540’) and mouth of the river where it flows into Englebright Lake.
The trail switchbacks pleasantly through the oaks...
DESCRIPTION:
3.1 miles, moderate, elevations: 570-’540’--980’-570’, 1½ -2 hours. Season is year round, springs outstanding, but also one of the best winter hikes nearby. And spring usually begins in February.
I prefer to do the loop clockwise by heading downriver from the north end of the bridge. At 1.0 mile the somewhat rocky, uneven tread of the trail reaches Point Defiance (elevation 540’) and mouth of the river where it flows into Englebright Lake. At the junction of the North and South Yuba Rivers lies the Point Defiance Boat Access Campground on Englebright Lake. This and the other facilities on Englebright are managed by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (530) 432-6427.
To continue the loop, head right (north) from the campground following the old dirt road. This is the somewhat easier way to reach the top over the half mile climb to the ridge and makes this marginally my choice of direction. At the top of the hill, turn right onto single-track trail. There is a picnic table here.
The trail switchbacks pleasantly through the oaks down to the signed end of the trail at the road to the ranger’s house. From here turn right (downriver) to the bridge. Or turn left (upriver) and cross the concrete bridge back to the parking area. Or better yet, cross the road and hike the 1.2 miles one way to the end of the even classier Buttermilk Bend Trail.
Do the fairly short trails independently or combine them into a great day. Point Defiance trail downriver is best for hikers that can readily handle the more uneven trail tread plus it includes a modest uphill stretch to do the loop. Buttermilk is available for wheelchair users for about the first half. More level, wide and even tread. In short, distinctly easier. Buttermilk offers more wildflower viewing, but the downriver stretch of Point Defiance has nice wildflower displays scattered through the rocks. Same season and far fewer users.
Directions:
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 570’-980’-570’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Point Defiance Trail & Loop
10 miles west of Grass Valley via Highway 20. At the stoplight to Lake Wildwood turn right (south) onto Pleasant Valley Road. Proceed for eight miles to Bridgeport and the South Yuba River State Park. Parking on the left next to the red barn and the Visitor Center. From parking area, cross covered bridge and turn immediately left (west) downriver to hike the loop in the clockwise direction.
To follow the loop in the counterclockwise direction pick up the trail as it begins swithchbacking above the road to the ranger’s home. This same road can be accessed from the south end of the covered bridge (turn right upriver) or the new concrete bridge. Or park in the area for the Buttermilk Bend Trail just beyond the south end of the concrete bridge. The trail begins on the west side of the blacktopped road across from that parking area.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
Pleasant, but outstanding during the wildflower season or great in the winter as one of the easily accessed trails that time of year. Spring flowers start peeking out as early as midish February. Some good views of two rivers.
Historic Sites (Rating: Exceptional)
The Bridgeport site in the South Yuba River State Park is an outstanding depiction of Gold Rush history. The wooden bridge has been maintained to look it much as it did in 1862 when it was constructed. It is the longest, single-span, arch-truss, covered bridge in North America. Stroll across it, take pictures, learn more from the sign-panels and especially from the Visitor Center. Perfect place for kids. You can even take a lesson on how to pan for gold much as the miners did it. Call: (530) 432-2546.
