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Hartman Bar National Recreation Trail

Plumas National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
2,100 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

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

At a Glance

  • Middle Fork Feather River swimming holes at Hartman Bar
  • Wild and Scenic River designation on the Middle Fork
  • Gold rush-era mining history at the river bar
  • Dramatic canyon walls of volcanic and metamorphic rock
  • Steelhead and rainbow trout fishing in the river

Overview

The Hartman Bar National Recreation Trail descends 2,100 feet over 3 miles into one of the deepest sections of the Middle Fork Feather River canyon in Plumas National Forest. The river bar at the bottom is a broad, sandy bench where the Wild and Scenic Feather River runs clear and cold through a dramatic gorge of volcanic and metamorphic rock. The round trip is 6 miles, but the canyon character and the reward at the bottom make this one of the more memorable day hikes in northern California.

The hike out is significantly harder than the hike in. Plan for the full effort before starting.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Canyon descent. The trail drops steeply from the ridge trailhead through chapparal and mixed forest on the upper slopes, transitioning to denser canyon oak and Douglas fir as the descent continues. The canyon walls become increasingly dramatic as elevation decreases. The Middle Fork becomes audible around mile 2 and visible around mile 2.5. The final section is steep and rocky.

Hartman Bar. The bar at the canyon bottom is a spacious sandy bench with multiple swimming holes in the river. The water runs clear and cold even in August. Gold mining remnants are visible on the bar in the form of old prospect pits and disturbed gravel. The Wild and Scenic River designation protects this section from future mining disturbance.

Return. The same route back. The climb out is the hard part.

When to Hike

May through October for river access. Spring is best for high water and the most dynamic canyon experience. Summer for swimming.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. The canyon is hot in summer; extra water is important for the return climb. Start before 8 a.m. on summer days.

Trailhead Access

Hartman Bar Ridge Road from State Route 70 near Belden. High-clearance recommended.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. 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 Feather Falls Trail provides the waterfall perspective on the Feather River system. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the river bar.

Trailhead Parking

Hartman Bar Ridge Road pull-off, off State Route 70 near Belden. Gravel road, high-clearance recommended. Small lot. No fee.

← Back to Plumas National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hartman Bar?
Hartman Bar is a gravel and sand river bar on the Middle Fork Feather River, a natural bench formed by river deposition that was worked by gold miners during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s. The bar name reflects this history; 'bar' is a gold mining term for a productive river deposit. Today the bar provides a broad, flat rest area at the canyon bottom with access to swimming holes and fishing in the Wild and Scenic Feather River.
How hard is the hike back out of the canyon?
The return from Hartman Bar is demanding. The trail drops 2,100 feet over 3 miles on the way in, which means all of that elevation must be regained on the way out. The climb back is the hardest portion of this hike, particularly in summer heat. Start very early on hot days to complete the return before afternoon temperatures peak in the canyon. Many hikers find the return takes 50 to 75 percent longer than the descent.
Is the Middle Fork Feather River safe for swimming at Hartman Bar?
The swimming holes at Hartman Bar are popular in summer when the river level drops and the pools form. The Middle Fork is a powerful river; conditions change seasonally and can be hazardous at high water in spring. The USFS recommends assessing current river conditions and exercising caution. Strong swimmers typically find the calm pools safe in mid to late summer. Check current water conditions before visiting.