Crystal Creek Ditch Trail Hike

This joint CNPS/SEA Field trip is an easy level two-mile out-and-back walk on the Crystal Creek Ditch Trail along a historical water ditch that was used for summer irrigation water for the Camden House and old Tower House Hotel orchards. Built during the gold rush era, it has been rehabilitated by the Park Service.

Prior to the Carr Fire, this used to be a heavily shaded walk under huge trees with great plant diversity. Since the fire, the trees are gone, but much of the plant diversity is still there and with the increased sunlight, we should see early blooming wildflowers. After this easy walk, we will go to a more recent historical water supply system to the Crystal Creek Conservation Camp, built in the 1960’s. This will add about another two miles of walking, with one short steep section and the rest being level. We will meet at CVS Parking lot on Buena Ventura at 9 am and carpool/caravan to the trailhead.

For more information contact walk leader David Ledger at david@ecoshasta.org.