Take in a hike near Briceburg and enjoy the scenery

Mountain Secrets

By Tony Krizan

(Updated: Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 5:45 PM)

During the winter months, sometimes it's difficult to find mountains and canyons that are not covered with snow. A few weeks ago, I joined the sierra hiking seniors group and shared their adventure that followed the Merced River in Mariposa. This hike was led by one of their seasoned hikers, Blair Stewart.

We departed Oakhurst on Highway 49 en route to Mariposa, and then continued on Highway 140 past Midpines. At Briceburg, we turned left just before the bridge crossing the Merced River. Then we drove across the one-lane suspension bridge and followed the old railroad spur three miles to the parking area. This drive to the trailhead is an adventure of its own following the Merced River. Lining its banks are the spectacular high cliffs formed from centuries of water erosion.

Briceburg was established in 1909 as a resort along the north side of the Merced River. That was the time William Brice moved his home and store to this location. In the 1920s, a convict work camp was located across the river. When it was abandoned in 1926, Brice moved to the south side.

Mariposa is noted for its gold and silver, but the mountains west of Briceburg are also famous for their limestone quarries. Located northwest is Bower Cave, a limestone deposit that extends for more than two miles. This small limestone cavern is located on the North Fork branch of the Merced River.

The same railroad spur that travels past Bagby will be part of our hike today. Our group will be hiking on the opposite side of the North Fork tributary. The elevation at Briceburg is around 1,250 feet, ideal for winter hiking. The old railroad spur has less than a two-percent grade, which makes this hike a class one.

Following this old railroad spur next to the Merced River created many photo opportunities. Along the trail, these side walls of jagged cliffs and rock formations extended more than 300 feet. Below us, the Merced River displayed a rare moment from our four days of rain. The class two rapids had increased to a class three and the sound of the river cascading over the many huge boulders made it difficult at times to communicate with a fellow hiker. I now can see why they charter raft excursions running these rapids from Briceburg to Bagby during the summer season.

After two miles, we confronted a locked iron gate and bridge. It was no problem because in construction they built a squeeze way (a new way of describing an entrance). I had just enough room for me and my pack to squeeze around the gate. If you look closely at the new bridge, you can see it was constructed on the same pylons that the railroad used in the 1890s.

After two miles, we were at the junction of the North Fork tributary. At this point we hiked a short distance up the North Fork Branch to our halfway area. While having lunch, I overheard a statement from a fellow hiker describing the falls only 20 minutes up stream. Curiosity got the best of me, Bob Lewis and Dawn Soares. We decided to attempt this side trip. The trail was easy to follow, but there were narrow places skirting around the cliffs where the use of careful foot placement was a must. Even with the slipping and sliding, the reward was in my first glimpse of the three-tiered falls. The lower section was the tallest with a drop of almost 20 feet.

After taking a few photos, it was time for me to depart and attempt to catch up with the main group. I said good-bye to the two hikers because they decided to hike beyond the falls. Now if I pick up my pace, hopefully I'll arrive back at the trailhead in time to share a few snacks provided by the hiking group. What a great group of hikers; they waited for my return. I recommend this hike for those of all ages. The only class two trail will be hiking the North Fork Branch to the falls.