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Loch Leven Trail
The Loch Leven begins at Placer County Road Pla-9140-2 and ends at High Loch Leven Lake. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking
At a Glance
| Restrictions: | Difficulty Level: Moderate Use level. Heavy |
|---|---|
| Information Center: | For more information, follow this link to a brochure on trails. |
General Information
Directions:Trailhead Access: The trail begins one-eighth mile east of the Big Bend Fire Station on old U.S. 40 (Big Bend exit off I-80). A restroom is available at the trailhead. The trail begins across the road from the parking area.
Trail Length:
1.1 miles to railroad tracks
2.5 miles to 1st lake Salmon Lake trail
2.8 miles to 2nd lake
3 miles to Cherry Point trail
3.6 miles to Upper Loch Leven
General Notes:
Topo Maps:
Cisco Grove/Soda Sprgs
Trail description: Loch Leven trail leaves the South Yuba river canyon, crossing the ridge above to reach the glacially formed Loch Leven lakes chain, small bowls in the granite. The trail is open for hiking early June to November, weather permitting. The trail is not marked for winter use, and is difficult to find in winter.
The trail works its way upward on a moderately steep grade to the southwest to the UPRR tracks, then trends southeasterly.
Granite outcroppings and glacial erratic are numerous along the first portion of the route, and the trail can be difficult to follow on the bare rock sections. As the trail ascends, it crosses minor hogbacks and depressions, generally trending upward. Prior to the railroad tracks, hikers see the markers for a buried telephone trunk line, and petroleum pipeline that they cross. Near the tracks, a small bridge spans a creek that flows swift and cold in early season.
The railroad tracks are on the original 1860s route of the Central Pacific railroad, built by hand with Chinese labor. It remains a major freight and passenger route in and out of California.
After crossing the tracks, the trail becomes steeper, going from 6,000’ to 6,800’ in 1.25 miles. At the top of the ridge, the trail descends gradually into the Loch Leven lakes basin. The trail in the basin is primarily level, but follows the topography.
At the south end of lower Loch Leven, a trail junction continues left to middle and high Lochs, or right to Salmon Lake.
Fishing is generally good, and camping is dispersed throughout the basin. Campfire permits are required for campfires, backpacking stoves, BBQs, and lanterns.
For More Information:
Tahoe National Forest
631 Coyote Street
Nevada City CA 95959
(530) 265-4531
(530) 478-6118 TDD
American River Ranger District
Foresthill Ranger Station
22830 Foresthill Road
Foresthill, CA 95631
(530) 367-2224
(530) 367-2226 TDD