Plasse Trading Post Trail - 7/20/25

 

We began this week’s journey by driving up to Highway 88 and then turned onto a small road that led through some campsites before we found the small parking lot for the Highway 88 Trails. The sign told us we had arrived at the right place.

Our goal was to reach the spot of Plasse Trading Post, founded by Raymond Peter Plasse in 1853 during the California Gold Rush. 

 

The trail was easy to find and the entire area was beautiful, lush and green with streams and wild flowers. It took us through forest and field, rock and hills. The trail itself was quite dusty, but that made is softer on our feet. 

 

 

We saw many butterflies, a few chipmunks and birds. I was unable to identify most of the birds, some mourning doves. There were some smaller birds, but they flew away long before we were near them.

 

There were many interesting rock formations along the way and the trail was easy to follow. We found the junctions, directing us onward and upward - and I mean uphill! I found that the elevation was getting to me (about 1,500 foot gain in about 8 miles round trip, and at the top we were at 8,300 feet).

There were several meadows along the way. We came across some private land with a beautiful meadow and what appeared to be a fallen log cabin.

I managed to get a picture of the elusive chipmunk, always running before I can usually point the camera.

As we made our way along the trail switching back and forth, we were able to get great views of Silver Lake in the distance.

I was happy to see so many wild flowers, which brought out the butterflies and the bees. 

Reaching the plateau, we were pleasantly surprised by the cool breeze, as well as the scenery and the view. I was exhausted from the climbing and elevation, but I felt better after eating a sandwich and drinking some water.

Going down was a little treacherous, I fell twice and Sue fell once. Eventually, we found a good pace. The light was different on the return trip, so many of the views seemed brand new and different.

We only saw three other people during our hike, and only on the return trip. People were not as friendly on this trail, but they said hello in response to our hellos.

 

We made it back to the parking lot, dusting off our clothes. My new hiking shoes looked about six months old with all the fresh dirt. Great hike, great time!