Chapman Creek Trail 13E03, west of Yuba Pass, California

Chapman Creek Trail

The Chapman Creek Trail is a 2.6-mile-long, forested hiking trail (dogs allowed) beginning at the Chapman Creek Campground and ending at a forest road in the east section of the Graeagle & Sierra City area of the Tahoe National Forest, California [1,2]. The trail follows Chapman Creek uphill to Forest Road 09-13. From there, one may continue all the way to Haskell Peak. Unfortunately, on my August-2026 visit, I was not able to find any encouraging signs along the dirt road near the end of Chapman Creek Trail.

Chapman Creek Trail 13E03

Chapman Creek Trail follows the stream it's named for. This single-track trail is well-maintained. I assume, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship would be the right address to send kind words of appreciation, since they are mentioned on the trailhead sign at the camp ground. 

The trail crosses a few small tributaries—typically with gentle, trickling water during late summer. Near the upper end (Chapman Creek Trail/dirt road junction), I happened to find a wooden trail sign with mossy ornamentation, blending in with the conifers, yet clearly stating: Chapman Creek Trail 13E03. I wasn't lost (yet).

Continuing (left-turn) along the dirt road, I came to an old road bridge. Walking over it, I turned onto the single-track trail on the right: a short, zigzagging trail ending uphill at a dirt road. Maybe this was just a short-cut taking me to a higher-up section of the road I was already on? 

No other hikers, no bikers, and—as mentioned above—no directional signs or location markers. I need to come back to explore this trail-road network further. Every map of this area points out different sites. Time to assemble the trail puzzle.  

Creek view from old bridge

Getting there

The Chapman Creek Campground is located roughly half-way between Yuba Pass and Bassetts along Highway 49. Turn right at the campground sign. Then, turn left and find parking. The trailhead is next to campsite 16. 

Chapman Creek Trail is open for non-motorized recreation, including hiking, running, and mountain biking.

My overall difficulty rating of the trail: easy-to-moderate (easy to follow, moderately inclined).

References and further reading

[1] Chapman Creek Trail. USDA Forest Servive.  URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/recreation/trails/chapman-creek-trail.

[2] Mike White: Afoot & Afield. Wilderness Press, Berkely, CA, 2nd printing November 2008;  Trip 22, pp. 53-54.