Comments: Located near the town of Washington in the Tahoe National
Forest this dirt road accesses some old gold mines and a powerhouse in Canyon
Creek. The road is washed out but still accessible with a mountain bike.
From the town of Washington: Head north through town and cross
the bridge over the South Fork of the Yuba River. The first right after the
bridge is Maybert Road. Following this road you will pass Kelleher day use area,
and after a few miles you pass over the Canyon Creek Bridge Continuing on a
short way brings you pass Golden Quartz day use area.
From here the road begins a steep climb and near the top take a left
at the intersection on to Artic Mine Road. About .75 miles brings you to a gate.{Gate
picture}Continue through the gate to the bridge. {It's another 1.75 miles
to the Artic Mine powerhouse from the gate.} The bridge washed out in the floods
of 97. There is a way across Canyon Creek though. Where the bridge washed out
there is a metal boardwalk across the creek. {Picture}
Keep to the left after crossing the creek and you will see a place to climb
the creek bank.
After crossing the creek the road becomes a trail. Continuing you will
pass a road cabin {cabin
picture}and see the Mountain View Mine across the canyon. These two lode
mines are active gold claims so be aware that it is also private property. You
pass a right that drops down to the Mountain View Mine, keep to the left and
its a short way to the Powerhouse
There are great swimming hole around the powerhouse, clear and always
very cold. It's easy to spend the day hiking and exploring this beautiful area.
[The Canyon Creek Trail that used to drop in below the powerhouse has been rerouted
recently. See the Canyon Creek Trail map...hmm I haven't posted that yet.]
Enjoy, thefish@mtbsingletrack.com