Barbed wire reported being seen near the trail up near the waterfall. Please use caution!

Spenceville (wild life preserve)

Location: 18 miles east of Marysville (Nevada and Yuba Counties). Comprised of over 11,000 acres.                                                

Phone: 530 538-2236 (Dept of Fish and Game – open M – F  7am – 3:30)

Web Site: http://www.spenceville.org/                                                                                                               http://www.nevadacountythingstodo.com/hiking/spenceville/                    http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/spenceville.html                  http://www.sierraoutdoorrecreation.com/Areas/Spenceville_Wildlife_Area.cfm

Directions: From Auburn take Hwy 49 to Grass Valley. Go west on Highway 20, towards Marysville, for 12.5 miles.  Turn left at the Beale Air Force Base sign onto Smartville Road. Go 1 mile and take the left fork and continue on Chuck Yager Road (formerly Smartville Rd) for 3.8 miles to Waldo Road. Turn left onto Waldo Road for 1.8 miles to the Waldo Bridge.  Cross the bridge and continue to the left along Spenceville Road for 2.3 miles until you arrive at the turnout and trail head on the left by an old concrete bridge and abandoned mine site.      
You will need to go through a gate when turning into the staging area). Before you get to this staging area there is a smaller one also on the left. From the Marysville area drive east on hwy 20 until you reach the Beale AF sign and turn right. 
As of March 2013 is has been reported that the road in has recently been regraded so it is in good shape.

The Waldo Bridge was built in 1901 to serve the now extinct towns of Waldo and Spenceville. 

Staging area: first staging area you come to is a large dirt turn out. The main staging/camping area is large grassy area. Large mud puddle and dip as you enter. Any size rig will fit. Look for cows to also be in the staging area at times too.

Dogs:  allowed

Trails: single track, some dirt/gravel roads. Mostly rolling hills, some technical. Trail to water fall is steep towards the end. Lots of cows and gates.

Water: staging/camping area is very near a creek

Restroom facilities: none

Other info: Shingle (Fairy) Falls is located about 2.5 miles from staging area, there are signs. Hunting allowed Sept 1 – Jan 31 and 9 days for spring Turkey hunting (closed to the public during those 9 days). Occasional wild pigs enter from the south. Wild Turkeys and cows are seen year round. Bicycles are allowed on some of the gravel roads.

Fees: none

See “trail pictures” tab located to the left of this page for photos and more information.

Print this page to take with you for reference.                                                                                                                                                 

Friendly reminder, be smart, do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.