Monday, May 12, 2025
66.5 F
Roseville

Hiking Avery’s Pond Trail in Placer County among best spring hikes

Experience South Placer County’s incredible spring scenery

Newcastle, Calif.-  On a Tuesday morning, with a balmy, sunny 70+ degrees in the forecast and a few hours of early morning work already completed, the outdoors beckoned. We decided to take the call.

Sometimes, choosing a hike is no easy decision. Should you opt for an easy stroll or a shin-busting marathon? Should you go with the tried and true of a favorite trail or explore a new adventure? After a few minutes on Google Maps, we opted for a return trek to a South Placer County favorite, Avery’s Pond at Rattlesnake Bar in Newcastle. It’s proximity to Roseville would be the deciding factor on this day.

Rattlesnake Bar

Oak trees along the North Fork of the America River

Within a half  hour, we arrived at the gate of Rattlesnake Bar and paid the $12 parking fee. Gone are the days of free parking just outside the gate.

Almost immediately upon entering the park, we came upon a smiling woman on horseback. She offered up an alternate and very narrow deer trail route. We were skeptical, but her enthusiasm sold us. Off we went. (Main trail access is available at the bottom of the parking lot on the left. It’s a steeper climb here.)

Butterflies

The narrow trail quickly broke through dense forest onto a sunlit ridge where parts of the North Fork of the American River come into focus. We became hopeful. During spring blooms, the trails burst with wildflowers and it was impossible not to notice the abundance of  active, orange, black, and purple adorned butterflies who were seemingly quite happy to participate in a photo shoot. We thanked them, said goodbye and pressed on.

Destination: Avery’s Pond

Continuing north, the wooded trail gently rose higher to offer stunning views of the North Fork below. The opposing shoreline during spring is often heavily blanketed with vivid, purple wildflowers offering a stark contrast to the green covered hills. There is quite a bit for the senses to take in and time easily slips away on this trail each time you find yourself stopping to absorb a portion of it. Before long, you’ll arrive at the diminutive, yet character-filled Avery’s Pond which is adjacent and a stone’s throw from the river. The pond has a short loop trail that encircles it and offers a great opportunity to take a break, have a picnic or just kick back and enjoy the beauty.

Turtles Everywhere

4 turtles on a log

At first glance, Avery’s Pond appears placid and uneventful. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that you’ve entered some sort of Turtle Nirvana. Despite being shy creatures, it quickly became impossible to count all the turtles. Some were floating and playing dead, while others with their tiny heads just above the waterline were effortlessly swimming at a turtle’s pace. You just might wish to bring your entire family along for the hike.

Cool Off and Quick Swim

After Turtle Nirvana, a short walk down to the river offers expansive views of the shoreline and a picture perfect end to an amazing hike. During warmer weather, it’s one of our favorite swimming holes. For now, it was time to retrace our steps and call it a day. (You can continue eastbound connecting into the Western States Trail all the way up to Tahoe!)

Hiking Recap

Avery’s Pond Trail is an easy, family-friendly hike just a short 15-30 minute ride by car from the Roseville and Rocklin area. Entering at Rattlesnake Bar in Newcastle, there is a $12 parking fee if you need to use the paved lot or boat launch.  Great water views, opportunity to enjoy wildlife, water access and plenty of wildflowers.  Bring plenty of water and a snack. Weekdays are best.

Rattlesnakes are common during warm months and mountain lions are at home here. Keep an eye out for fresh scat on top of rocks and boulders, it is a telltale sign of mountain lions nearby. Plan accordingly.

While it’s been over nearly two decades since we began hiking Avery’s Pond, the bucolic setting, colorful wildflowers, abundant butterflies, and opportunity to swim the North Fork has become an annual tradition. It remains a magical place. Welcome to the brighter side.




Sphere Las Vegas

Festival! May 16 -18

Support local sports!

Trending

Midas / SpeeDee Oil Change in Roseville

Your Roseville Midas dealer on Foothills Boulevard is the place to go for brakes, oil change, tires and all your auto repair needs

Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville

Modern Asian cuisine meets timeless tradition. The premier spot for Chinese and Asian fusion in Roseville and Folsom. Great for happy hour, dinner, date night.

Squeeze Burger in Roseville

Squeeze Burger Roseville, home of the Famous Squeeze With Cheese. Formerly Squeeze Inn, we offer the #1 Burger in the Sacramento area.

Subaru Outback still delivering dependability

Roseville, Calif. - Despite having a wagon-like body style, for years the Subaru Outback was classified as a midsize SUV.

Peet’s Coffee locations in Roseville

Since 1966, Peet's Coffee has sourced and offered superior coffees and teas adhered to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Topics

Midas / SpeeDee Oil Change in Roseville

Your Roseville Midas dealer on Foothills Boulevard is the place to go for brakes, oil change, tires and all your auto repair needs

Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville

Modern Asian cuisine meets timeless tradition. The premier spot for Chinese and Asian fusion in Roseville and Folsom. Great for happy hour, dinner, date night.

Squeeze Burger in Roseville

Squeeze Burger Roseville, home of the Famous Squeeze With Cheese. Formerly Squeeze Inn, we offer the #1 Burger in the Sacramento area.

Subaru Outback still delivering dependability

Roseville, Calif. - Despite having a wagon-like body style, for years the Subaru Outback was classified as a midsize SUV.

Peet’s Coffee locations in Roseville

Since 1966, Peet's Coffee has sourced and offered superior coffees and teas adhered to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Hormones: The Key to Dropping Excess Weight

Sacramento, Calif.- When it comes to improving body composition and achieving optimal health, balancing your hormones is essential for both short- and long-term success. There are seven major hormones that

Roseville Quilt Guild 2025 show at Jessup University in Rocklin

Roseville, Calif.- Welcome to the Roseville Quilt Guild 2025 Quilt Show! Join us May 9 & 10, 2025 for a day filled with beautiful quilts and creativity at Jessup University in Rocklin.

RCSDF Golf Tournament in Roseville tees off to support student education

Roseville, Calif. - The Roseville City School District Foundation (RCSDF) invites the community to its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the scenic Sierra View Country Club.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Mobley Pest Services in Roseville serving the community and region for over 20 years

Roseville, Calif.- Fully licensed and bonded, Mobley Pest Services in Roseville has been providing reliable pest control services for well over 20 years. Serving residents and businesses in the greater Placer and Sacramento region, Mobley Pest Services is locally owned and operated in Roseville.

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.

Paul Black’s Solar Panel Cleaning in Roseville serving the region for over 30 years

Roseville, Calif. - Money-saving solar panels in Roseville, Rocklin and throughout South Placer County have become ubiquitous From new residential solar communities continue to big business and after market installation, solar seems to be a smart choice to shred those high monthly electric costs.