This hike was superlative in a couple of ways – at 8 miles,
it was our longest hike so far; over an hour from Sonora, the trailhead was the
most remote so far. It was also typical
in a couple of ways – we had another challenge with roads, this time a cattle
drive was in progress at Jacksonville and Stent Roads; the weather was perfect
(as I’ve come to learn, ANY weather is perfect for Trail Heads!). |
| photo by Joey Partridge |
About 20 of us carpooled and caravanned from Jamestown and
Groveland, and about 10 more met us at the trailhead. The adventure started pretty much as soon as
we hit the road: We halted for a cattle
drive at the intersection of Jacksonville and Stent Roads! We proceeded unhindered through Groveland and
Buck Meadows, past the Rim of the World vista point and Rainbow Pools, turning
onto Cherry Lake Road and into the heart of the Rim Fire burn area. Cherry Lake Road is narrow, winding and
scales ridges which afford stunning views into the Tuolumne River canyon and
the snowy peaks of Yosemite and Sonora Pass.
At the highest on the road, we were at about 4,000’ but quickly dove
into the canyon and reached river-level at 2,400’. Thank goodness for low gear!
We were fortunate to have interpretative specialists along
on the hike, this time Seth Connolly of the Tuolumne River Trust with his
companion, Ariel, an Americorps volunteer.
Seth gave a brief orientation, mentioning that a work crew of American
Hiking Society members on a volunteer vacation were due to start rehabbing the trail
the next day. Then we were off,
immediately encountering projects and hazards for the AHS volunteers: downed
trees blocking the trail and huge, healthy poison oak stands with tendrils
extending into the trail. Thank goodness
for Tecnu!
 |
| photo by Joey Partridge |
It was slightly overcast, and the diffused light made
photography a joy. The river was a
dynamic subject, rushing in places, wide and still in others, and crashing
through its rocky gorge in yet others.
There were wildflowers galore (Bush Lupine, California Indian Pink,
Paintbrush, Baby Blue Eyes, Tufted Poppies, Mustang Clover, Common Madia,
Brewer’s Lupine, Fivespot, Lindley’s Siverpuffs). We enjoyed the shade of pines and
moss-covered oaks. We crept through a
charred skeleton tree forest, remnants of the Rim Fire’s devastation. We heard birds but didn’t see many;
butterflies were the prevalent winged creatures. Someone spotted a slithering creature – a
small rattlesnake. Thank goodness the
dogs steered clear!
At the falls we picnicked, napped, and cooled our toes in
the Tuolumne. As we geared up to hike
out, Seth offered motivation: The AHS
volunteers had invited us to stop by for cookies and tea after we returned to
the trailhead!
Due to the low elevation, this trail is open year-round,
though there may be issues with access if it happens to be snowy or icy on the
access roads or highway. To get to the
trailhead, take Cherry Lake Rd. from Highway 120 (east of Groveland, Buck
Meadows, the Rim of the World vista point, and Rainbow Pools). After many gorgeous miles on the narrow,
winding road, you’ll come to a distinct fork – take the left (right takes you
to Camp Mather and Hetch Hetchy), which continues as Cherry Lake Rd. You’ll immediately begin your descent into
the river canyon. You’ll reach a bridge
at river-level; cross the bridge then turn right. Drive on past the houses, buildings,
powerhouse; the road dead ends at the trailhead. There’s plenty of parking, a vault toilet,
and a bear box.
Here's a link to the Stanislaus National Forest webpage about Preston Falls:
Here's a link to a nice California State Parks flyer about the Tuolumne River (with a map):
 |
| Photo by Seth Connolly |
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