Few things from Mother Nature are predictable, save for Old Faithful in Yellowstone and the beauty of the Buttermilk Bend Trail in South Yuba River State Park.

This classic, easy 3-mile out-and-back canyon trail parallels the bank of the beautiful rough-and-tumble Yuba River. Starting at Bridgeport, home to the world’s longest arch/truss single-span covered bridge, in spring the trail immediately greets with a blanket of bright purple baby stars and surrounding peppergrass.

Follow the trail above the roiling turquoise waters of the Yuba as it surges over the pale gray granite boulders below. The trail winds past showcases of woodland stars, narrow-leaved lupine and tufted poppies. Keep an eye out for flowering fiddlenecks and deep-purple zig-zag larkspur. Even if the flowers are past their seasonal prime, the surrounding foothills are covered in oak and pine trees, creating a canvas in every shade of green. It's beautiful.

At trail’s end flip it and savor the return scene and scenery. Smooth as buttermilk.

TIP: Nevada City’s Outside Inn is a great base camp for your Gold Country adventure. The office has a library of hiking and biking information, and an entire wall is covered with a map of the area.
Check South Yuba River State Park for directions to Bridgeport. The Buttermilk Bend Trail begins at the north parking lot and follows the north side of the river upstream. Dog-friendly!