WSFF Excursions
During the festival, there are many events other than just films. These self-guided excursions are to help you keep the “Wild” in Wild & Scenic. While these hikes are for Nevada County, CA we encourage you to go get outside and explore wherever you may be!
photo by Daniel Belshe @dbelshe
Scenic Highway 49 from Nevada City to Sierra City
- Heading toward Sierra City on Highway 49, you will cross the stunning, emerald south fork of the Yuba, a state-designated Wild & Scenic river canyon.
- Continuing on to cross the middle fork at Oregon Creek Day-Use Area.
- As you slowly climb in elevation, Highway 49 catches up to the north fork of the Yuba River, where you’ll find plenty of small parks and pull-offs along the way with breathtaking views of the river canyon where you can be sure to stay socially distant.
Photo by Allison Denton @outnaboutallie
Hiking for Good presents Connect with Nature on the Hirschman Trail
- Just a short one-mile walk from downtown Nevada City, Hirschman Trail is an easy to moderate forested adventure found in the Deer Creek Watershed.
- Now teeming with wildlife, the trail’s showpiece is Hirschman Pond, created by hydraulic mining during the Gold Rush.
CLICK HERE for the PDF file guide
photo by Daniel Belshe @dbelshe
Explore Tahoe National Forest
- If you head up Highway 20, just past Harmony Ridge you’ll enter the Tahoe National Forest.
- The Pioneer Trail runs parallel along Highway 20 through a beautiful canopy of trees. Look for pull outs on the left side of the highway all the way to Conservation Camp Road. There’s plenty of flat space to stretch your legs and find solitude in the forest. Continue upward to find parks with 180-degree scenic views of the Sierra Nevadas.
Sierra Nevada Ensatina by Michael-Ruff @ruff_herper
It’s All Newt to Me: A Self-Guided Orientation to Amphibians of the Yuba
- While most people spend their hikes facing forward, look down for a change and discover the world of amphibians.
- Explore the Yuba Watershed from the eyes of frogs and salamanders on easy trails near Nevada City.
- This self-guided excursion is supplemented by materials from avid herper Shannon Hedge to teach you about the wonders of these animals at your feet.
Click Here for the PDF guide
Importance of Nisenan Voice in Our Community
The Deer Creek Tribute Trail is a great opportunity for community education and outreach. The Nisenan Cultural Reclamation Corridor along Deer Creek will connect two points of the Tribute Trail. Wolf Creek in Grass Valley also offers educational opportunities through interpretive signage. Nevada City Rancheria Tribal Spokesperson Shelly Covert will discuss the visibility the trails have brought to the Tribe as well as the critical importance of connecting people with nature.
Listen to the Virtual Tour audio and follow along with the numbered images below:
Bear Yuba Land Trust presents a Redbud Virtual Hike – Yewei’im Bom Trail, Nevada City, CA
- Local botanist Shane Hanofee of the California Native Plant Society- Redbud Chapter offers an in-depth look at native trees and shrubs along the Yewei’im Bom Trail in Nevada City, California.
- Located on the 38-acre Burton Educational Preserve, which was conserved in the early 2000’s by Bear Yuba Land Trust, Yewei’im Bom Trail is a lovely 1 mile loop trail that boasts unique wildlife and rich plant diversity.
- Discover the wonders of Yewei’im Bom Trail today! https://www.bylt.org/trail/yeweiim-bom-trail/
Bear Yuba Land Trust presents a Redbud Virtual Hike – Wildflower Ridge Trail – Grass Valley, CA
- Local botanist Shane Hanofee of the California Native Plant Society- Redbud Chapter offers an in-depth look at the wildflowers that give Wildflower Ridge Trail it’s name. This trail is characterized by its thin soil, caused from an ancient volcanic mudflow. This unusual geology supports a rare concentration of native plants.
- Discover the wonders of Wildflower Ridge Trail today! https://www.bylt.org/trail/kenny-ranch-trails/
