11:eleven Photography

Located in the South Yuba River State Park at Bridgeport, the Buttermilk Bend trail is a must see if you are a fan of wildflowers. It is an easy trek, 2.5 miles out and back and the trail is fairly level on seeing an elevation gain of 216 feet.

Portions of the trail are narrow at times, so you’ll find yourself squeezing by your trail neighbors occasionally. It’s always recommended to pack your manners along with your sunscreen and water!

It is always a good way to spend an afternoon, regardless of the time of year as it follows along the river canyon and offers spectacular views of the mighty Yuba year round. But spring is when she really blossoms 😉.

Wildflowers galore! Table Mountain gets all the attention this time of year, but often you can see all the same flowers right here without the drive or the crowds. The Buttermilk Bend offers several types of lupine, poppies (The Outlaw Flower), fairy lanterns, lillies, blue dicks (Yeah, you read that right), and so many more.

While several flowers are already in bloom, it comes in waves, and I expect we will see more over the next few weeks. So don’t miss out, especially if this is a local trip for you. Here’s a few photos from my visit yesterday, but trust me it is much prettier in person. Plus as an added bonus you get to be outdoors, fresh air, the sound of the river, etc. Win, win, win.