South Yuba River Loop

The South Yuba River Loop is a stunningly beautiful hike through accessible high mountain forest in the High Sierra.

The hike itself follows a combination of ORV roads, and with backcountry camping spots along the way, you may encounter vehicles out there, however timing your hike will help result in a peaceful hike in an area of the Tahoe National Forest that feels miles away from civilization.

Starting at the ORV staging area a short distance from Indian Springs Campground and Swimming Hole (the latter of which makes a nice destination following this hike on a hot day!), the hike heads off down a rocky and rutted double track that gradually descends through the forest. Several popular backcountry destinations are accessed via the first stretch of road, but hiker and ORV traffic thins out after making the first turn about .6 miles in.

Some sections of the hike are over extremely technical rocky sections, and a couple creek crossings may be muddy and wet very late into the summer season, while other sections follow dusty flat sections in what feels deep in a fern forest. Eventually, several signed backcountry camp spots emerge along the trail, as well as a vault toilet. From here, it's a short descent to a quiet bend in the South Yuba River. This picturesque curve has shaded and quiet areas, and at 2.3 miles into the hike, you might very well make the river and a camp site your destination and then retrace your route back out the way you came.

If you choose to continue, you'll be crossing the Yuba and following the road as it meanders through an even quieter strip of forest. This area sees very little ORV traffic, though you will see signs for the Pierce Creek Wetland Interpretive Area next to a single parking spot. As of 2025 the Forest Service website lists this area as closed due to damaged road access reaching it, however there is a short single track hiking trail you can explore. 

Following a second river crossing, the path weaves back and meets up with the original trail out, from which point you can retrace your route back toward the trailhead.

Since this hike is along active ORV roads, the route is well worn, however cel service is unreliable and there are several forks so be prepared with navigation going into the hike. To try to avoid ORV traffic, hiking this on week days should offer a quieter experience. River crossings and even seasonal creek crossings will be wet, even in late summer. There are no amenities of any kind at the trailhead or even at the interstate offramp so arrive prepared.

Trail conditions will vary based on seasonal conditions, all portions of the trail may be completely under snow during the winter months.