Spring on the Yahi Trail The Yahi Trail has been around since at least the 1970s, providing easy pedestrian access to Big Chico Creek. It is named after the Native American Yahi tribe. There are many interpretive signs along the first half that describe plants, animals, and geology along the Yahi trail. The trail is roughly 4 miles long and stays reasonably level. Unlike most trails in Upper Bidwell Park, bicycling is not allowed on this trail. This is a popular trail to walk dogs. They should be on leash, which is particularly important during tick season, when dogs can easily become supper as they crash through and damage vegetation.
To find the Yahi Trail, park at lot E, as this is where it starts. It will then make its way down to the creek and stretches all the way to lot U. It can be accessed from many of the intervening lots, which are typically placed near popular swimming holes such as Bear Hole. Beware that parts of the trail are in disrepair just before Diversion Dam. Portions of the concrete pathway to the dam have fallen away into the stream. In addition, the trail can be sometimes hard to locate just after Salmon Hole, where it opens up into a meadow after passing through dense foliage. Please stay on the trail as much as possible to keep the environment healthy.
To help understand more of what you see on the trail, the Chico Creek Nature Center offers a free trail guide on their website.
Swimming Holes
These swimming holes are accessible from the Yahi Trail and are ordered geographically from start to finish. Some are easier to find than others, especially as the cayon's depth increases further in the park.
- Bear Hole — easy access
- Diversion Dam — easy access
- Salmon Hole — difficult access
- Alligator Hole — difficult access
- Brown's Hole — moderate access
