Clintonia Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The trail surface stays perpetually damp under the canopy, and exposed roots and mud can make footing treacherous — take your time on any grade changes, especially if carrying a pack.
Cell service is nonexistent in this valley. Let someone know your route if you're hiking solo, particularly if you're linking this into the longer loop.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Use Clintonia as the connecting piece for the James Irvine to Miners Ridge loop — it turns two out-and-backs into one satisfying circuit of about 12 miles through some of the best old-growth in Prairie Creek.
The namesake clintonia flowers typically bloom from late May through June, so time your visit for that window if the fuchsia blooms are the draw. They're easy to miss if you're moving fast, so slow down and scan the trailside understory.
The valley floor stays damp and roots stay slick well into summer. Trail runners with minimal tread will betray you here — wear boots or trail shoes with aggressive grip and expect to pick your footing carefully on the descents.
