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Butterfly Valley Botanical Area Trail

Plumas National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
2.5 mi
Elevation Gain
150 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through September
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica), the only carnivorous plant in California
  • Sphagnum bog habitat rare in the Sierra Nevada
  • Rare wildflowers including bog orchid, sundew, and other bog specialists
  • Interpretive signs explaining the botanical significance of the area
  • Short and accessible loop close to Quincy

Overview

Butterfly Valley Botanical Area is a small, botanically extraordinary preserve within Plumas National Forest, protecting one of the Sierra Nevada's rarest habitats: a cold-spring sphagnum bog with populations of California pitcher plant, sundew, and bog orchid. The 2.5-mile loop is the most unusual hike in Plumas, offering a botanical experience found at few other places in California.

No permit required. Dogs are not allowed in the botanical area.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Meadow and forest approach. The trail begins on the edge of a broad meadow before entering mixed forest. Interpretive signs at the trailhead explain the botanical area's significance.

Miles 1.0 to 1.8: Bog and pitcher plant area. The trail reaches the central bog area where the sphagnum moss forms a saturated, quaking substrate. The pitcher plants are here, their cobra-shaped leaves arranged in rosettes above the bog surface. Boardwalk sections protect the fragile bog. Stay on the boardwalk and designated trail.

Miles 1.8 to 2.5: Forest return. The loop returns through drier forest to the parking area.

When to Hike

Late May through June for peak botanical interest. July and August for summer visits when the pitchers are active.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. This is a short, cool hike; no specialized gear needed. Camera recommended for the pitcher plants.

Trailhead Access

Butterfly Valley Road from State Route 70 east of Quincy, about 5 miles from town.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is May through September. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Plumas National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Long Valley Trail near Quincy provides a more traditional meadow walk. The Gold Lake Loop is the high-country experience. See the Plumas National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on the boardwalk in the bog.

Trailhead Parking

Butterfly Valley Botanical Area parking area off Butterfly Valley Road, near Quincy. Paved pull-off. No fee.

← Back to Plumas National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California pitcher plant?
Darlingtonia californica, the California pitcher plant (also called cobra lily), is the only carnivorous plant native to California. It grows in cold, nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils fed by cold springs or seeps, conditions found in a few spots in northern California and southern Oregon. The plant traps insects in its tube-shaped leaf (the pitcher) lined with downward-pointing hairs that prevent escape. Butterfly Valley is one of the most accessible locations in Plumas National Forest to see these unusual plants in their natural habitat.
Are dogs allowed at Butterfly Valley Botanical Area?
Dogs are not permitted on the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area loop to protect the fragile bog vegetation. The off-leash movement of dogs through the sphagnum and pitcher plant areas would damage the sensitive substrate. Dogs can be left in vehicles at the parking area.
When is the best time to see the pitcher plants?
The California pitcher plant blooms in late May and early June with unusual red-veined cobra-shaped flowers. The trapping pitchers are present and functional from spring through fall. Late May through July is the best combination of blooming and active pitchers. The bog is accessible in summer and early fall, but most wildflowers peak in the June window.