Friday, April 25, 2025
50.8 F
Roseville

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

South Placer County’s Most Spectacular Spring Hike?

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.




Join the local fun!

Coming Up!

Coming Up!

Trending

Roseville DMV Office opening on Saturday, May 3, for REAL ID Appointments

Roseville, Calif. - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently announced the Roseville office at 7200 Galilee Road will offer appointments on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to accommodate customers who want to get a REAL ID

Rocklin Florist

Order flowers online from your florist in Rocklin, Calif.. Rocklin Florist, Inc., offers fresh flowers and hand delivery right to your door in Rocklin.

Lincoln Chamber hosts heartwarming and creative fundraiser

Lincoln, Calif. -The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a heartwarming and creative fundraiser, bringing together the spirit of community and local business support.

Placer County community organizations receive grants from Athens Renewable Energy

Auburn, Calif. - Athens Renewable Energy is proud to recognize Placer Community Foundation, Roseville Urban Forest Foundation, and Gold Country Wildlife Rescue as the grant recipients for the first quarter

Roseville Iron Rose FC Soccer announces 2025 season schedule

Roseville, Calif. - Iron Rose FC kicks off its second season with both a women’s and men’s team competing in the WPSL and TLFC. After a successful women’s season last year the men join the club in 2025.

Topics

Roseville DMV Office opening on Saturday, May 3, for REAL ID Appointments

Roseville, Calif. - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently announced the Roseville office at 7200 Galilee Road will offer appointments on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to accommodate customers who want to get a REAL ID

Rocklin Florist

Order flowers online from your florist in Rocklin, Calif.. Rocklin Florist, Inc., offers fresh flowers and hand delivery right to your door in Rocklin.

Lincoln Chamber hosts heartwarming and creative fundraiser

Lincoln, Calif. -The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a heartwarming and creative fundraiser, bringing together the spirit of community and local business support.

Placer County community organizations receive grants from Athens Renewable Energy

Auburn, Calif. - Athens Renewable Energy is proud to recognize Placer Community Foundation, Roseville Urban Forest Foundation, and Gold Country Wildlife Rescue as the grant recipients for the first quarter

Roseville Iron Rose FC Soccer announces 2025 season schedule

Roseville, Calif. - Iron Rose FC kicks off its second season with both a women’s and men’s team competing in the WPSL and TLFC. After a successful women’s season last year the men join the club in 2025.

Western Placer County adds 279-acres of protected woodland

Auburn, Calif. - A partnership between Placer Land Trust, Placer County, and the Placer Conservation Authority to conserve 279 acres of blue oak woodlands recently closed escrow.

Roseville Music in the Park Concert Schedule 2025

Roseville Music in the Park. FREE summer concert series. Enjoy free family friendly entertainment at Royer Park in Roseville.

Robinson’s Taekwondo in Roseville

Robinson's Taekwondo in Downtown Roseville.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

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.

Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry in Rocklin serving the local community since 2000

Rocklin, Calif.- For nearly 25 years, Jason and Heather have grown their successful Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry practice by faithfully serving patients throughout the Rocklin, Roseville, and greater South Placer County region. Their business has grown to now employ over a dozen employees which helps them meet the growing demands of a successful local business.

Roseville Sheet Metal serving community’s heating and air needs for over 70 years

Roseville, Calif. - At Roseville Sheet Metal, we’re proud of our years of service to the Roseville area and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.