Shingle (aka Fairy) Falls Trail
The hike is the crown jewel of the Spenceville Wildlife Area. The vertical falls plunging over the rusty colored canyon walls aren't the tallest but still one of the most delightful falls in the Central Sierras. Located in low-elevation oak hills, this is one of the few accessible, year-round falls that still shows adequate flow in fall. Certainly, one of the few falls available in the winter. . The US Geological Society officially label it as "Shingle Falls" on their quad maps, but some people like to call them "Fairy Falls".
There are actually two dramatic falls.
Plus there are a couple of shortcuts: the "Upper Loop Trail" [and] "Lower Loop Trail"
DESCRIPTION:
Shingle (aka Fairy) Falls Trail: 1.5* miles; Moderate; Elevations: 440’-590’-450’-560’; 30-45 minutes; good tread, old road route.
*There are two segments of road and trail to get to the falls; the complete trek is 2.5 miles one-way; Moderate; Elevations: 340’- 590’-450’-560’; 1 ½ hours; Tread smooth and wide.
There are actually two dramatic falls. For the lack of a real name, the few that know about the second falls simply refer to it as the Lower Falls. The heights are comparable and plunge nearly vertically over the rock wall into lovely pools.
Shingle Falls is approached by the end of the Shingle Falls Trail (old road) and the falls are fenced by an ugly chain link fence on the western side of the bowl. There is a users’ trail that follows along the fence line. The best view is at the bottom (southern) end of the fence. The falls are distinctive by the bounce that occurs near midway of the falls. In spring this creates a curtain of water to one side.
In comparison, Lower Falls is a classic straight plunge top to bottom. The lie down Dry Creek roughly 300 feet. Really, rough. These falls can only be reached by scrambling over rocks high above the water line. Viewing should not be attempted unless you are healthy and fit, have good balance, are wearing good boot with soles that cling to the rocks, and don’t mind sharp drop-offs from very narrow ledges. To get to a couple of viewing spots, take the user’s trail that veers to Dry Creek just before the Shingle Falls Trail/road starts up a steep pitch that is distinctly eroded. Stay to the right on the mid-slope, fairly level users’ trail that approaches a solid rock formation. To the left just before the trail plunges to the creek, there is a faint track through a notch in the rocks. Remember, don’t try this unless you’re comfortable with this kind of scrambling. To me, the falls, rock walls and pool are equally delightful as Shingle Falls.
There is a maze of user trails that scramble over the hillside between the two falls.
The wildflowers in the basin are varied and colorful. The green grass and hardwoods in the riparian zone are very photogenic.
Options:
Plus there are a couple of shortcuts: the “Upper Loop Trail” saves a whopping 0.2 mile before it returns to the old road near the top of the falls. The nice-touch is that the Upper Loop Trail saves the drop down to Dry Creek and somewhat steeply up to the falls.
The “Lower Loop Trail” crosses just under the other option and it intersects below the falls; it is a bit (0.1 mile) shorter. Both shortcuts pleasantly cross oak and grass-covered hillside above the creek. The modest climb from the creek would the same as Shingle Falls Trail.
Only hikers permitted on these two options. The “upper” trail and “lower” trail starts at about the same spot off of the Single Falls Trail a couple hundred feet after the trail crossed over the gentle saddle and crosses the cattle guard – that no longer has a fence on either end. Neither trail is signed but there is a 4x4 post at the junction. The sign was gone this winter, February 2007. The “upper” trail goes up while the “lower” trail leaves the old road/trail on a level.
The “Hill Top Trail” veers right (south) from the “Lower Loop Trail” and follows about 1/3rd mile along a gentle ridge-top through oaks to a grassy, yep, hill top. Pleasant views of Dry Creek Canyon. Peaceful. Pick up this option after following the “Lower Loop Trail” for 2-300’ feet east after leaving the Shingle Falls Trail. At the intersection, no signs, no nuthin’; looks like a cow path. And it is. Not shown on our map.
Another, my favored, un-named variation returns partway by a different segment but is about the same distance as Shingle Falls Trails. This option circles above the falls and around the small hill on the north side of the falls. Wild flowers through the small, rocky gorge are abundant in season. Continue along the trail upstream on Dry Creek above Shingle Falls and as you approach the eastern, fenced and signed boundary of the WA. At the boundary, turn left (north) paralleling the fence line. This short piece is a bit uphill but soon the trail lopes across the grass and oak covered back-side of the hill. The trail crests a broad, grassy ridge that will be lush green in the spring. The views are nearly forever. Sutter Buttes and the Coastal Range behind the “littlest mountain range in the world” dominate the skyline to the west. To the north a high (relatively) ridge hill stands above a rolling valley and the Old Spenceville Road. At the ridge, follow a faint, dozed trail that stays high and reaches a second ridge to the west. This trail variation returns to the main access trail in the saddle about 0.2 miles south of the Spenceville Stage Road. Hikers only. More cows use this trail than people.
The trail also overlooks North Valley an appealing option to returning to downtown Spenceville. See North Valley Trail. This loop appeals to those looking to cover more trail-miles on these relatively modest challenges. The option utilizes: Old Spenceville Road plus Shingle Falls Trails to get to the falls and then returns back to the trailhead of the North Valley Trail. Then follow this trail for 3.0 miles. Ambling through Little Dry Creek Valley, cross the North Pittman Road at the western end of the trail. Next continue west for 0.2 mile of the first segment of Bunker Trail and turn left (south) onto the South Pitman Trail. After you return above Dry Creek onto the Stage Road it is only a few minutes left (upstream) to the concrete bridge and Trail Head. Total distance: 9.0 miles; Moderate with pleasantly rolling hills and friendly creeks.
DIRECTIONS:
To Shingle (aka Fairy) Falls Trail
From the east and Grass Valley: Drive 12.5 miles via Highway 20 west of the Highway 49/Highway 20 intersection in Grass Valley. Continue to the black-topped Beale Air Force Base road (Hammonton Road). Turn left (south) and drive 3.8 miles to Smartville Road. Turn left again (south) on the blacktopped road and drive 1.8 miles to graveled Waldo Road. Follow south until cross the Waldo Bridge and then left again onto Spenceville Road. Trailhead parking and a small camping site, just before it, lies another 2.3 miles. Park near the old concrete bridge.
From the west and Marysville: Follow Highway 20 towards Grass Valley and east as it climbs into the Sierra Foothills. After 15 miles turn right (south) onto the Beal Air Force Base road (Hammonton Road). After leaving the highway follow the directions above.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)
One of our best.
