South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a 4.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near North San Juan, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
South Yuba River State Park charges a fee to park. For more information, please visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=496.
March 27, 2021It was a beautiful hike! We started from Purdon Crossing, hiked 3 miles towards Edward Crossing, had a lunch break right next to the river, and turned around. Didn't see that many people until past noon. The dirt road leading to the parking lot is actually doable for sedans, its like 100ft. Just take it easy and be cautious. The river is beautiful!
February 14, 2021A bit of mist made for a great hike.
November 30, 2020November 26, 2020October 28, 2020We did Purdon crossing to Edwards crossing and back. Getting there requires some rough road you will have to get back out on - steep, bumpy and sandy - wouldn’t recommend in sedan or minivan - but we did see them there and heard one scraping on their way out. The technical parking lot is past the “fire do not park” sign to the right before crossing the bridge - it’s up aways at the trailhead. We parked on the other side of the bridge and walked over. Signage is sketchy as there are a million trails down to the water. But it’s a pretty standard hike - ups and downs all along the way, one sign where an official trail went off to a different location (round mount?). Everything else goes down to the river. When you get to Edwards Crossing, you find a sign that states that it’s 5 miles to Purdon Crossing (so our 8.4 round trip just turned into 10!!). There is a compost toilet up a bit at the trailhead parking lot and plenty of places to scramble down to the river. Super social distancey - maybe 5 or so people on the River at Edwards crossing, about 4 people at Purdon crossing and we past 3 people and a dog on the trail. Tons of signage for naked beaches (though didn’t see that really because it was only 76), but one of the hikers named that he past a guy hiking naked on the trail and I think we caught a glimpse of him. Later. So if you’re timid about that stay away - you really can’t avoid it. Otherwise, great workout with lots of ups and downs, long distance for out and back (though I’m glad for that that we did Perdon to Edwards and back - it was much easier to end on the easier bit), fantastic views and good solace.
October 23, 2020Nice trail along the river
September 30, 2020Beautiful, good workout and amazing views ! If you’re a hiker than this is a must on your list . The water was warm and cold swim.
September 6, 2020Started the hike from Purdon, a beautiful trail, close to the river. The water was clear and refreshing, great for a swim! The only downside was that the road to the parking was very rocky, so just be prepared.
July 27, 2020hiked in reverse from Purdon up to Edward's. if you see a white gate, go through it; the best cliffs on the river with very deep pools
July 22, 2020Great trail but very narrow, some stretches are just a few feet of trail off cliff. Stay focused!
June 21, 2020Hike wasn’t hard, but turned out to be a good workout. If you want to go all the way down to the river to swim that’s higher up long the trail (not the bridge area) make sure to wear hiking shoes/boots with strong grips. Lots of shade and poison oak make sure to wear long pants. The paths are also very narrow and rocky. I almost slipped off the trail from the rocks, so be careful and don’t rush!
June 15, 2020June 2, 2020We walked upriver from Edwards Crossing for a swim in the river. There are a few narrow trails up and downriver apart from the main trail that leads to Purdon Crossing. Beautiful, clear water today. Be careful with the swift current and the poison oak along the trails. If you walk upriver for a bit, you'll find good privacy.
June 1, 2020Lot of shade, swimming holes, mossy rocks and trees. Good for the summer. The Emerald Pool and China Dam were jewels of this hike. We stumbled onto them on two of the branch-off the trail. Total around 11 mile when going down to the river included. Loved it.
May 24, 2020May 9, 2020Didn’t do the whole hike. But will come back to do it.
March 2, 2020John said it all. Great trail! We wanted to swim, but 30° is too cold...
October 12, 2019Great conditions and great views with lots of shade. Trail was well-maintained and clear, though there were a couple of downed trees where the trail had been slightly rerouted. Weather was perfect in mid-October. DId this hike as an out and back. Explored a bit of the other side of the river (across the bridge) once I reached Purdon. Spent the night about a mile from Purdon Crossing a little way past the day use area (overnight camping is not allowed in the areas marked for day use at the beginning and end of this trail). A few other people camping on the river but by no means crowded. I'd say that is based on it being pretty late in the year. Got down in the low 40s at night but was prepared with layers so I kept plenty warm. Not too crowded. Only met one kind of sketchy looking individual on the trail in the Private Property crossing area who was carrying a pick axe and gold panning tools, but he seemed more or less harmless. About four carloads of people showed up looking for fun on the river when I returned to the car on Sunday. This leads me to believe that while this hike seems like it could be a lot of fun during the summer (with lots of great swimming holes) I'd be willing to bet the place is generally overrun and too crowded for a peaceful backpacking trip during the summer months. Unlike many other reviewers, I did not find any ticks. However, because of the time of year I was wearing lightweight full-length hiking pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Also, poison oak seemed minimal and I am highly sensitive to it (again, caveat could be due the time of year).
August 13, 2019this trail is harder then stated
August 12, 2019Edwards crossing was pretty populated mid-day on a Sunday. Hike in moderate, with plenty of opportunities to find spots to camp out and swim. Lots of locals seasoned with river time. Even though it was crowded, we found our little slice of heaven!
July 4, 2019Beautiful trail, beautiful day, beautiful view. Loved every minute!
June 14, 2019nice trail majority of it is shaded. poison oak along sections of the trail. great views and chances for great photos of the Yuba River and the canyon. bring water!
May 27, 2019Fun little hike. All on the south side the river and in the trees so not much sun. We encountered lots of ticks and poison oak though so beware.
May 11, 2019May 11, 2019January 31, 2019Only thing bad is the ticks . Going without your dog is the best idea.
