This route is a favorite for anytime of the year. An O&B (out-n-back) is 16miles, but if you can setup a shuttle, it makes for a fun and fast 8 miles since the majority of the route is downhill.
For an extra 2 miles, start from the Dam Overlook Park and Trailhead. There’s little-to-no cell reception and the Pioneer Express Trail (PET) and Rattlesnake Bar are isolated so plan accordingly.
Miles
Vert. Ft.
Avg. Elev.
Route Details
Trail Type: single track.
Trail Condition: very good and easy. Clearly marked and maintained. Gets muddy around Avery’s Pond in the wet season.
Water Sources: multiple sources available along most of the route. But most usually dry up by June thru November.
Trail Traffic: moderate. Busiest times are typically between 10AM – 4PM, especially on the weekends. Mostly day-hikers and runners, but lots of Horseback riders during the busy times, and especially on the weekends.
Trail Systems/Areas: Auburn SRA and Folsom Lake SRA
Trail Awesomeness: lots of views of the North Fork American River Canyon and Folsom Lake as the route approaches Rattlesnake Bar. No developments or homes anywhere giving one the impression they are isolated in a wilderness. Trail maintains a close distance to the river, and when Folsom Lake is low, this section of the river gets loud with a number of class III rapids, typically underwater.
Start Location: Oregon Bar & Cardiac Hill Trailhead (aka: Gate 144)
Finish Location: Rattlesnake Bar, FLSRA (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area)
Fees/Permits: yes, $10 day use or use CA Poppy Pass for both Gate 144 and Rattlesnake. FREE parking nearby at Gate 44.
Potable Water: yes, drinking fountain available at trailhead for Gate 144, but not at Rattlesnake Bar.
Bathrooms: yes, bathroom available at both trailheads
Cell Reception: minimal. No reception at Oregon Bar. Minimal at Rattlesnake Bar.
Historical Significance: Oregon Bar has a number of bedrocks with grinding holes left behind by the local Nisenan-Maidu Native American tribes. When the lake and river levels are low, they can be found near the water’s edge.
Natural Significance: when Folsom lake is low, the trail follows along the North Fork American River all the way to Rattlesnake Bar with beautiful deep solid rock gorges and then opens up to a wide valley just before Morman Ravine. When the lake is high, the whole river turns into a lake where the mouth of the river begins at Oregon Bar.
Attention!!: You’re isolated with little to no cell reception the entire distance. And no drinking fountains at Rattlesnake Bar trailhead.
Route Guide
0.00 mi ⇒ Gate 144 Trailhead (START) | Hop on the Canal trail and follow it in the direction of Folsom Lake.
0.75 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Cardiac Hill Trail and Vista | Take a left down onto Cardiac Hill Trail. The view overlooks Oregon Bar at the base of this section of the North Fork American River Canyon. Ignore all trail junctions until you reach the bottom of cardiac hill and a green gate.
1.50 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Pioneer Express Trail | At the bottom of Cardiac Hill, take a right and pass the green gate. Follow the road down to Oregon Bar
1.50 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Oregon Bar | Take a right onto Pioneer Express Trail (PET). Follow this trail for 5 miles to Morman Ravine. Ignore all other trail junctions and stay on the PET. Scenic sections and vistas for next 3 miles.
1.75 mi ⇒ Bridge Crossing & Unnamed Creek | Cross the creek and continue along the Pioneer Express Trail
5.75 mi ⇒ Bridge Crossing & Mormon’s Ravine | Cross the creek and continue along the Pioneer Express Trail
6.00 mi ⇒ PG&E Pump Station | Follow the trail around the pump station. It will turn into a road. Follow the road until it turns right, and up a hill.
6.25 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Avery’s Pond | Re-discover the PET on the outside turn of the road. Follow it around the outside of Avery’s Pond.
6.50 mi ⇒ Trail Junctions & 0.5mi Loop | After re-joining with the other trail around Avery’s Pond, follow the PET all the way to the parking lot at Rattlesnake Bar. There are a couple bridges but no more trail junctions except those at Rattlesnake Bar and they lead to the three parking areas at Rattlesnake Bar.
8.00 mi ⇒ Rattlesnake Bar, FLSRA (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area) (FINISH) |
Resources
- Closest Town: Auburn, CA (5mi/9mins) (Google Maps)
- Nearest Gas: 5 Stations (5mi/3mins) (Google Maps)
- Nearest Restaurants: Several Venues (5mi/3mins) (Google Maps)
- Nearest Ranger Station: Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Station (9mi/10mins) (Google Maps)
Post-Adventure EATS & BREWS
STOPSTU’s choices for EATS & BREWS near Mount Langley, CA.
“Moonraker and Knee Deep are conveniently next door to each other. Crooked Lane has got a great indoor/outdoor vibe. All three usually arrange for food trucks on the weekends.” -Stu
PIZZA:
“Pizzeria Luba is very good wood fired pizza. For the traditional, Old Town Pizza is another popular Auburn staple and it’s delicious.” -Stu
SANDWICH:
“Best sandwiches anywhere! And Patrick, the owner, is a genius when it comes to making soups and stews.” -Stu
BURGER:
“Everyone knows Ikedas, but over the years, there are plenty of better options for the price. The Station for example, makes a fantastic hamburger full of fresh and hearty flavors. Burgers & Cream makes the best burger for the price.” -Stu
BBQ:
“Just your traditional Smoked BBQ Pit, but unlike other BBQ joints that have come and gone, this one was the first, and it’s still here more than ten years later. What does that tell you?” -Stu
CHINESE:
“Liu Mandarin has fantastic food and a niche vibe and the owners, Jerry and Sung Lee, are two really nice people!” -Stu
MEXICAN:
“El Portal has been around for years. They make great Mexican food with large portions. The quality of the ingredients are far better than any other Mexican Place in town. Las Cabanas makes an excellent fish taco!” -Stu
BREAKFAST:
“Best omelets in Auburn, no contest, are at Edelweiss 2—not to be confused with the other Edelweiss at the other end of town. Jessica, Ashley, and Destiny are three of the nicest, coolest, best morning waitresses you will ever meet! I love this place. Oh, and Awful Annie’s is good but ALWAYS has awfully long wait times.” -Stu
COFFEE:
“Depoe Bay is a staple coffee shop in Auburn. The owners, Mike and Nicole are very friendly people, and so is their staff. But VERY busy, order in advance to avoid long waits.” -Stu
HEALTHY:
“Garden of Eat’n has fantastic wraps and salads and a really friendly staff. But very busy–order in advance if you’re hungry. And the extra drive is worth it!” -Stu
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
“Taco Tree and Sums are Auburn staples. Royal Indian and Garden Thai are fresh new flavors to the dining scene in Auburn and are always busy!” -Stu
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