Mary West

Lake of the Pines

Contributor at The Union

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Articles

Day hiker: Brockway Summit Trail - A journey along the Tahoe Rim Trail

1 week ago | theunion.com | Mary West

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. If 20 miles sounds like more than you’re up for, consider a shorter option: a pleasant 1.5-mile trek up to Picnic Rock. This three-mile round trip starts at the parking area across Highway 267 near Kings Beach. The trail is moderately challenging as it winds up to the peak, offering a steady climb through a series of switchbacks.
Day Hiker: Buttermilk Bend Trail - A Wildflower Wonderland Along the Yuba River

2 weeks ago | mtdemocrat.com | Mary West

Hike the Buttermilk Bend Trail in early spring when you’ll find yourself dodging butterflies as they dance through the air. Take in the sweeping views of the Yuba River, but don’t forget to appreciate the variety of wildflowers blooming at your feet. The rock benches and well-maintained trail provide perfect spots to pause and enjoy the scenery. While the parking area may be crowded, and you’ll likely share the trail with many others, the experience is worth it.
Day hiker: Table Mountain - A springtime floral spectacle

3 weeks ago | theunion.com | Mary West

Plan your visit to Table Mountain Preserve this spring—you’ll have to see it to believe it. Known for its spectacular wildflower displays, the preserve comes alive as poppies, lupines, paintbrush, and dozens of other flowers bloom across its rolling hills. While Easter weekend is popular, any time the flowers are in bloom is well worth the drive to Oroville in Butte County. Have you visited Table Mountain before?
Day hiker: Buttermilk Bend Trail - A wildflower wonderland along the Yuba River

1 month ago | theunion.com | Mary West

Hike the Buttermilk Bend Trail in early spring when you’ll find yourself dodging butterflies as they dance through the air. Take in the sweeping views of the Yuba River, but don’t forget to appreciate the variety of wildflowers blooming at your feet. The rock benches and well-maintained trail provide perfect spots to pause and enjoy the scenery. While the parking area may be crowded, and you’ll likely share the trail with many others, the experience is worth it.
Day Hiker: Avery’s Pond - A Tranquil Retreat in Folsom State Recreation Area

1 month ago | mtdemocrat.com | Mary West

Discover the Serenity of Avery’s Pond and Its Surrounding TrailsThe heavy rains this spring have transformed Avery’s Pond in the Folsom State Recreation Area into a deep, serene pool. I love the tranquility here; the only sounds are bird calls, the buzzing of bees, and the occasional splash of turtles diving into the water. When the winds are calm, the pond mirrors the clouds perfectly, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. Have you visited Avery’s Pond recently?
Day Hiker: Point Defiance Loop Trail - An Undiscovered Gem in Penn Valley

1 month ago | mtdemocrat.com | Mary West

Explore the Trails Along the South Yuba RiverThe South Yuba River at Bridgeport spills into Englebright Lake, forming part of the beautiful South Yuba River State Park. Here, you’ll find sand beaches, lush trails and the historical Bridgeport Covered Bridge—the longest covered span in existence, as noted by the plaque near its entrance. Though the bridge is currently closed for major renovations due to twisting, you can still admire its structure, now exposed as the shingles have been removed.
Day hiker: Avery’s Pond - A tranquil retreat in Folsom State Recreation Area

1 month ago | theunion.com | Mary West

The heavy rains this spring have transformed Avery’s Pond in the Folsom State Recreation Area into a deep, serene pool. I love the tranquility here; the only sounds are bird calls, the buzzing of bees, and the occasional splash of turtles diving into the water. When the winds are calm, the pond mirrors the clouds perfectly, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. Have you visited Avery’s Pond recently?
Day Hiker: Beale Falls Trail

2 months ago | mtdemocrat.com | Mary West

The drive out to Yuba County is well worth it to experience the open spaces and stunning Beale Falls. Some hikers refer to it as Fairy Falls; whatever name you choose, it’s a delightful hike, especially when the fields are lush and green. Have you visited Beale Falls before? Share your photos using #DayHikerCA. This 5-mile loop trail takes you through old pastureland, offering sweeping views through the oak-dotted fields.
Day hiker: Point Defiance Loop Trail - An undiscovered gem in Penn Valley

2 months ago | theunion.com | Mary West

The South Yuba River at Bridgeport spills into Englebright Lake, forming part of the beautiful South Yuba River State Park. Here, you’ll find sand beaches, lush trails, and the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge—the longest covered span in existence, as noted by the plaque near its entrance. Though the bridge is currently closed for major renovations due to twisting, you can still admire its structure, now exposed as the shingles have been removed. Have you visited the Bridgeport area before?
Day hiker: Beale Falls Trail - A Yuba County gem

Jan 24, 2025 | theunion.com | Mary West

The drive out to Yuba County is well worth it to experience the open spaces and stunning waterfalls of Beale Falls. Some hikers refer to it as Fairy Falls, but whatever name you choose, it’s a delightful hike, especially when the fields are lush and green. Have you visited Beale Falls before? Share your photos using #DayHikerCA!A scenic 5-mile Loop through pasturelandThis 5-mile loop trail takes you through old pastureland, offering sweeping views through the oak-dotted fields.