Poker Flat

Total Miles
28.2

Elevation

2,028.62 ft

Duration

4 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer

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Poker Flat 8

Trail Overview

A challenging drive that passes through two historic gold mining towns: Poker Flat and Howland Flat. The trail can be used as a shortcut between Downieville and La Porte. Trip to Saddleback Mountain Lookout Tower has rewarding views. Green-sticker vehicles can stage on the La Porte side at the large warming hut. We enjoyed our stop in rustic Downieville.

Photos of Poker Flat

Poker Flat
Poker Flat

Difficulty

Moderate: Mostly a wide, easy, dirt road. One narrow, steep, rocky climb with banks on each side between Waypoints 06 and 07. Stock SUVs should have high ground clearance and skid plates.

History

In 1850, Poker Flat produced $700,000 in gold every month. Nearly 2,000 people occupied the town at its peak. The town developed its notoriety largely from a fictional tale by Bret Harte entitled 'Outcasts of Poker Flat.' Howland Flat produced an estimated $14 million in gold over its lifetime.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Travis White
Sep 01, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
The climb from the river to LaPorte is very rutted out with some small shelves. Full size rigs will get some hillbilly pinstripes. Most of the trail is gravel road-ish until the last two miles or so in and out of the creek. Challenging trail for stock vehicles.
Mark Reid
Aug 15, 2024
2015 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Dusty
Came from La Porte with a stock Rubicon. I would rate this a 3.5. The river crossing was fun. Do not skip the Saddleback Mountain Fire Lookout!
Mike Fawcett
Jul 27, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Dusty
Started on the Downieville side, finished at La Porte. Downieville to the Saddleback lookout was fairly easy. From lookout down to Poker Flat, expect some pinstripes and a steep rocky descent. Water crossing was pretty straightforward. From Poker Flat coming up the hill to Howland Flat is rutted with loose rocks, used rear locker for a couple parts. Beautiful trail, highly recommend.
Dominique Weisenburg
Jul 14, 2024
2014 Toyota Tundra
Open
Normal
Dusty
Full width-ish left with some more pin stripes to the collection get rocky after Howard flat turn off(if you start from Le Porte) then it gets easier but steep climbs. If you go don’t for get to stop and smell the roses it’s beautiful out there just take your time.

Access Description

From Downieville, head west 0.3 miles and turn right on a graded dirt road marked to Poker Flat.

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