Buttermilk Bend Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Penn Valley, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
nature trips
beach
river
views
wild flowers
wildlife
Mostly flat with side trails down to the river. There is a $5 day use fee for this park. As of April 22, 2019, the park has covered a bridge for repairs however this does not affect the trail.
This is an exceptionally beautiful trail, but very dangerous drop offs and hidden rocks in trail. Caution, especially with kids or pets.
Perfection! Not long but absolutely beautiful. Dog and people friendly short hike. Walk along the well groomed trail then take a little path (there are several) down to the river for a dip in the river. Definitely bring water it can be a little hot!!
Beautiful hike! You walk along side the river and it’s gorgeous. It was quite peaceful and was an easy trail. $10 for Parking. Only bad part was the old wooden bridge across the street has to be restored so we couldn’t go on it.
Brittany Busse recorded Buttermilk Bend Trail
Beautiful trail overlooking the South Yuba River which is rushing strongly. We came out early to avoid the crowds. Parking is now $10 so be aware
The views here were spectacular. The wild flowers were so perfect! Highly recommend. But remember to bring money for parking.
Carolyn B. recorded Recording - May 08, 03:09 PM
Beautiful wild flowers. Since they were giving tours on the weekends now, there were signs along the way depicting the flowers for us. Very helpful.
Marion M.
Easy trail with breathtakingly gorgeous views all along the way. Wildflowers in Spring are an extra bonus. Getting to the end of the trail in Springtime and spending time right next to the furiously fast flowing river is stunning. Then comes the brave kayakers bouncing along. Dream place to spend days all year round.
Cynthia Parada recorded Buttermilk Bend Trail
It was a nice hike, lots and lots of people showed up around 10ish, so get there beforehand so you don’t have to deal with passing each other on a one person trail. Bugs, so make sure you bug spray up before hand. Otherwise nice views of the river, wildflowers and butterflies.
for the wildflowers. there are signs
great first hike of the season. covered bridge closed for repairs. easy out and back with some nice side trails to river. currently high water level but doesnt effect hike
Amy S.
beautiful hike with the family and 2 dogs. the wildflowers are in full bloom and the best part is the little placards telling you the type of flowers you see. super educational for all ages.
This hike was pretty amazing. The views were absolutely stunning especially with all the wild flowers growing everywhere. Will definitely come back to this. Parking is $5
Beautiful day and hike. The wildflowers are just starting to bloom. Love the plant labels and am happy to pay the $5 parking fee to support the maintenance of the trails.
I LOVE this trail. It’s very easy and extremely beautiful, especially in April- hello poppies and lupine.
A beautiful, easy hike on the North side of the river. Amazing views.
More commonly called Bridgeport. Not a great trail for small children. I have a 4 year old and it’s a somewhat narrow trail for a child. If I was alone, I would rate it 5 stars. Lots of trails down to the beautiful water to swim. Very crowded in summer towards the trailhead, the further you go, the more peaceful it gets.
A beautiful walk any time of year, but absolutely gorgeous in spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. Mostly flat, wide trail (unless you choose to go down to one of the swimming spots on the river). It's a popular trail for good reason!
Good birthday hike and first one since having children (youngest just turned one). Bring enough water! Shady spots to rest in here and there, and plenty of benches to sit on. Beautiful and deep swimming holes, although we didn’t swim this time. A bit rocky along trail in places, but nothing a couple of 72-year-olds and 3-4-year-olds couldn’t navigate.
Lindsay R.
Great little trail. Easy to access and plenty of parking when I arrived at 8 am. Most of the trail is flat and unchallenging. I would imagine it’s beautiful in Spring when everything is green. Would go back for sure.
Short survey walk of South Yuba River State Park. Very little access to river bank. Flat, wide, almost ADA compliant.
We parked close to the covered bridge to go swimming in the Yuba River. It was such a nice area with sand and the water was the perfect temp and not too deep. There where people here but not too many. It’s such a pretty area! We will be back for sure! There’s walking trails near by so next time we will do some trails and end with swimming in the river!
We hiked this Memorial Day weekend. The flowers were still blooming, the water was amazing and we had such an enjoyable time.
Easy , great views of the river, $10 parking fee
Beautiful hike, great scenic views of Yuba river. Easy walk with plenty of places to sit down and rest, very slightly up and downs.
Too crowded!
pretty trail following the river. Wildflowers are beautiful and are labelled along the way Nice walk!!
Great view of the river, and especially nice when the wildflowers are blooming in the spring and the river runs turquoise.
