Full Suspension Ahead

Hike to Angkula Seo Suspension Bridge near Nevada City

Angkula Seo Suspension Bridge Nisenan Tribute Site Nevada City

Fall colors, a beautiful suspension bridge, and an interesting history comprise this easy 2-mile loop through the Nisenan Tribute Site located just outside of Nevada City. The site is part of Nevada City’s Deer Creek Tribute Trail System and includes the Angkula Seo Suspension Bridge.

Access the trailhead directly from Nevada City (see Tip below). Or start at the Nisenan Tribute Site trailhead and take the Deer Creek Access Trail, crossing the road at one point and coming to the first historical marker. It has information on the contributions of native Nisenan and Chinese people to the history of the area. Next, hike through a forest currently filled with autumn colors, and to Angkula Seo Suspension Bridge. Built by the Forest Trails Alliance and Seattle Bridge Company, the bridge is 150 feet long over Deer Creek.

Angkula Seo Suspension Bridge Nisenan Tribute Site Nevada City

After crossing the bridge (and getting all the photos!), follow the Deer Creek Trail along the canyonside through mixed forest with everchanging views of the canyon. As you approach an access road, take a hard left to remain on the trail, which dips back into the forest. Pass a few more signs providing information on the area’s history. The final turn before returning to the suspension bridge is marked by a historical marker titled “California’s Indigenous Diversity.” Head back across the bridge and out of the canyon to complete the hike. 

Angkula Seo Suspension Bridge Nisenan Tribute Site Nevada City

TIP: Hike Right from Town: From the Miner’s Foundry on Spring Street in downtown Nevada City, head west onto Factory Street. The road will soon curve to the left, the pavement will end, and you will be on a one-lane dirt road (Wyoming Street) that parallels Deer Creek. In about 0.3 mile, the dirt road will come out onto the pavement of Old Downieville Highway, which you can follow another 0.3 mile to where Champion Mine Road goes down to your left. The Nisenan Tribute Site trailhead will be on your left. 

Parking can be tight right next to the trailhead but additional parking can be found further down Champion Mine Rd. No water or restrooms are available along the trail. Dog-friendly (Rocco approved)!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bike the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail

    To the Lighthouse

    The Monterey Recreation Trail is one of America's most beautiful coastal experiences, accessible to bikers, strollers, rollers, and walkers. This 8-mile (round-trip) bike ride follows premier parts of the trail before detouring to Pacific Grove's storied Point Pinos Lighthouse.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    The Unexpected Wonders of Monterey

    One of the world’s best teachers? Mother Nature. And one of the best destinations to learn from her? The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then take your pick of self-guided walks...

    View
  3. Tombstones and Tarantulas

    Forget black cats; a randy tarantula crossing your path can really get your heart racing. So can spirits in a cemetery! Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and learn about these misunderstood spiders, plus pay a visit to the Rose Hill Cemetery, where ghosts are said to exist.  

    View
  4. London Calling

    The writer Jack London was known for his adventure stories, and an autumn hike at his namesake state park in Sonoma Valley illuminates more than his career. Eucalyptus, oaks, sprawling vineyards, and brilliant redwoods are part of the autumn magic amid the rich history of the park.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. woman hiking Elkhorn Slough Reserve in Monterey

    Hike Elkhorn Slough Reserve

    Elkhorn Slough Reserve is one of California’s few remaining coastal wetlands. Go on a hike and marvel at one of the state's largest coastal salt marshes, a valued habitat for birds, plant life, sea otters, and marine mammals.

    View
  2. Red Rocks in California

    Colorful badlands, towering buttes, and scenic desert cliffs form a hikers paradise. Red Rock Canyon State Park is a lightly visited desert wonderland where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso range.

    View
  3. Woman hiking up to views from Desolation Canyon in Death Valley National Park

    Canyons Calling

    Canyon hikes come in all shapes and sizes in Death Valley, and we’ve got two gems. One requires more rigorous scrambling and navigation, and leads to a dryfall; the other takes you up to a brilliant vista.

    View
  4. Hiking Cobb Estate Haunted Forest

    Welcome to Mr. Cobb's Haunted Forest

    The ruins can be explored on an easy 1.5-mile (round-trip) loop trail. Hike it close to dusk for maximum creepiness (just make sure you're out by dusk, when the park closes).

    View