Fairy Falls & Dry Creek Loop

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Length: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Dry Creek between Upper and Lower Fairy Falls

Overview: The Fairy Falls & Dry Creek Loop Trail is about 4.9 miles long. It is located near Beale Air Force Base and Grass Valley, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes 1-4 hours. The two large waterfalls at the end of the hike make this moderately easy trek well worth the time.

The trail traverses through forests and meadows an is especially attractive in spring when wildflowers abound. The destination is Upper and Lower Fairy Falls on Dry Creek. The falls are also known by the names Beale Falls or Shingle Falls.

The route shown in this trail guide follows the Spenceville Road and then the Upper Fairy Falls Trail to Upper Fairy Falls. After visiting the Upper Falls the route proceeds to Lower Fairy Falls.

The return route passes by two more small waterfalls on Dry Creek before connecting back to an old road. After following the old road for about 0.4 mile, the route veers off to the left onto a trail that follows Dry Creek back to Spenceville Road. From there, the last 0.4 mile retraces Spenceville Road back to the trail head.

Tips: Moderately Easy route due to trail length and some very minor rock scrambling toward the end of the loop.

Note: This is a totally different Dry Creek than is shown in my other two Dry Creek Trail guides.

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Points of Interest

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Trail Head - The Route Begins at the Old Bridge

1. Park in the dirt parking lot.
2. Make sure you have plenty of water
3. The trek begins as you cross the old bridge.

Dry Creek as viewed from trail head bridge Photo

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Turn Right (East) at T After Crossing the Bridge

Turn right at the T intersection after crossing the bridge. After a few more seconds you'll head over two more small bridges that cross a small tributary creek and continue up the road.

Fairy Falls Hike - Spenceville Rd. Photo

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Stay Left at the Fork in the Road

The route continues up the road at this junction.

Note: Do not take the trail to the right. This is the return route. You will be taking this trail on the way back from dry creek and the waterfalls.

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Turn Right at this Junction

Turn right at the small route marker sign and follow the road towards the gate under some trees.

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Close the "Hiker's Gate" Behind You

After the route turns right, you'll come to a gate across the road. Walk through the "hiker's gate". Make sure you close the gate completely after passing through to keep the ranch's cattle from escaping.

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Continue on the straight road through the open meadow

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Take the "Short-Cut" Foot Trail

As the road curves left veer onto the well-worn "official" trail instead of staying on the road as you cross the end of the meadow.

Trail leaves the Road to the Right of Cattle Crossing Photo

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Take the Upper Falls Trail (left fork of foot trail)

The Upper Falls Trail is better maintained and affords much better views. It is also the most efficient route to the falls.

Upper Falls Trail as Viewed from Junction Photo

Horseback Riders on Upper Falls Trail Photo

Continuing along the Upper Falls Trail Photo

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Upper Fairy Falls

1. Look over the edge at the falls.
2. Look just upstream a few feet to see the small waterfall directy above Upper Fairy Falls
3. Follow along the top of the cliff above huge Upper Fairy Falls hollow for more great views.

Above Upper Fairy Falls at Flood Stage Video

Small waterfall just above Upper Fairy Falls Photo

Sutter Buttes Viewpoint along Upper Trail Photo

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Alternate Spur Trail is Very Rocky and Steep

Adventuresome hiker's can make their way down the a steep rocky ravine to the base of the hollow. Be very careful, this route can be treacherous, but the views from the bottom are beautiful.

Upper Fairy Falls as Viewed from the Pool Photo

Upper Fairy Falls as Viewed from Below Photo

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Continue Downstream Along the Clifftop Trail to Lower Fairy Falls

Follow the clifftop trail to Lower Fairy Falls. To get a good view of the falls requires a small amount of very minor rock scrambling. Just listen for the sound of the waterfall as it crashes over the rocks into a hollow below.

Above Lower Falls Fairy Falls Hike Photo

View of Dry Creek from Upper Trail Route Photo

Dry Creek between Upper and Lower Fairy Falls Photo

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Lower Fairy Falls

It is difficult to get a really good view of this waterfall, but it is possible. It may take a little courage to walk out on the rugged rocks on the cliffs near the waterfall.

Lower Fairy Falls Viewed from below Photo

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Continue Downstream to Swimming Hole and More Rapids

Another Small Dry Creek waterfall or rapid Photo

Looking back up at Lower Fairy Falls Photo

Small Dry Creek waterfall or rapid Photo

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Head East on Wide Dirt Road to Begin Return Trip

To complete this loop route, get on the wide dirt road heading east (slight left as you leave the creek bank)

Follow the dirt road for about 0.4 miles.

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Veer Left onto Trail when Road Makes Right Turn

As you approach a right turn in the road, veer left onto the foot trail that continues to parallel the creek.

This trail is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled to the left side of the road as you approach the right turn in the road.

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Turn Southwest onto Spenceville Rd. (merge left onto wide dirt road)

Merge left onto the wide dirt road (Spenceville Rd.). From this point on you will be retracing your steps or about 0.4 mile to the trail head.

Pictures in this guide taken by: Steve Schmorleitz, www.NationalParkLover.com, nationalparklover, Moran, brthomas, RNHiker, iwalkthrowwalls, chris_bruno, ElRemaro

Steve Schmorleitz, www.NationalParkLover.com

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