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Trout River Cabin, 1693 Forest Route 21S94, Springville, CA (2024)

11/03/2023

A lot of people wonder - when is the best time to visit Giant Sequoia National Monument?
The answer is… it depends!
The changes in elevation throughout the area create different micro-climates and bring a great variety of experiences depending on how high up you are and what time of year it is.
Our absolute favorite time of year at the Sequoia Trails Cabin which sits at 5,000 feet in elevation is May and June. The winter snow has melted from the higher elevations and the forests are green and lush, with spring-like temperatures and wildflowers everywhere. Sequoia Groves nearby are at their very best in appearance and vibrancy. The Nelson Trail through the Belknap Grove is an excellent choice for this time of year. The rivers are running swift and high so this is not the best time of year for swimming and fishing. However, the rafting companies are enjoying their peak season on the Kern River
In July and August, it is prime time at 7,000 feet where the same green lushness and spring like temperatures have moved up the hill. The Alder Creek Grove and Trail of 100 Giants and best visited during this time. The Rivers are still good for rafting but have calmed down enough for the many area swimmers, cliff jumpers and fishermen to enjoy their activities. The lower elevations are hot at this time of year and that draws many to jump into the cool swimming holes along the Tule that you can reach from Highway 190.
In the fall, the rivers are at their lowest and this is the best time for fishing the Tule and Kings Rivers, as well as the many streams that feed into them. By this time the fish have been growing all summer and are their largest size. In addition to great trout fishing, the fall colors are on full display as the variety of deciduous oak trees are turning golden yellow. This is especially beautiful as you walk through the lower elevation Sequoia Groves. Wild Turkeys run up and down the roads, there is an abundance of nature and animal life to view.
Since this is California, and most residents of this state don’t live in a place that receives winter snow, this is a popular place for visiting. The cabin receives several feet of snow each year and there are flat areas on the property with small hills ideal for sledding and snow play. The park at Camp Nelson offers larger fields of snow and a large sledding hill. When snow levels are low at this elevation, you need only drive up to Sequoia Crest for a good sledding hill or a popular spot at Quaking Aspen. Both areas have plenty of snow all winter. Holidays are well-celebrated by residents of this area and offer our family particularly cherished memories.

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The living room has expansive, cathedral ceilings with views of the private forest and the mountains beyond the river. It includes sofa seating areas oriented towards the real-wood fireplace and a dining table and chairs. The room is open to the kitchen giving a greater feeling of space and connectedness to your loved ones. A stairway leads from this room to the two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. A french door leads outside to the wrap-around deck overlooking the private forest.

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The family room in the rear of the cabin is our favorite space. It has a stone fireplace that extends to the top of the cathedral ceiling with abundant like filtering from windows in every direction. A Roku tv is available to those relaxing on the couch and chairs. A game table occupies the corner of the room near a french door access to the wrap-around deck overlooking the private forest land. a ladder in the room leads to a trap door in the sleeping loft that overlooks the fireplace and room. There are shelves with classic books and a cupboard for board games.

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A modernized, and fully stocked kitchen awaits your use when you stay, complete with a full-size refrigeration, oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher, blender, coffee maker, various pans, dishes and utensils. Most of the dishes are stored in open shelving for your convenience. Additional cupboards offer storage for food and other items you bring to use. There is a washing and drying machine for laundry in the room right behind the kitchen.

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The master bedroom is located on the main floor and includes a comfortable queen-size bed, makeup vanity, and small closet to keep your travel gear out of the way. A full, modernized bathroom with a shower is located in the hallway right outside of the bedroom door.

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Upstairs you'll find two bedrooms with cathedral ceilings and windows with views to the forest outside. The first bedroom has a very comfortable queen-size bed, a small closet and a trap door that leads to the sleeping loft overlooking the family room. The sleeping loft has a twin bed and another access trap door to a ladder that leads down to the family room. Kids love the two access points to the sleeping loft. The other bedroom has a twin bed with another trundle bed the pulls out from underneath it. Both bedrooms come with an end table and reading lamp.

The half bathroom upstairs is remodeled and conveniently located for those staying in the upstairs bedrooms.

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The Area outside of the cabin is over one full acre of private forest with plenty of shaded areas to hang out under and a large surround patio with outdoor furniture to enjoy outdoor meals and pleasant evenings. The Tule River runs through the property and the pleasant sound of the rushing water can be heard day and night. Private riverside clearings and beaches await you and can be accessed by walking down the street towards the bridge and by a trail that leads down to a small gorge and fishing holes. The flat clearing below the deck offers space for group games in the summer, snow play in the winter and deer siting all year long. There is plenty of driveway parking.

11/03/2023

The Trail of 100 Giants is the most popular destination for travelers coming to Giant Sequoia National Monument, and it is certainly a must-see place. However, there is, what we believe to be, an even better Sequoia Grove that often goes unvisited. I am talking about the Alder Creek Grove in Sequoia Crest, just 25 minutes away from the Sequoia Trails Cabin.
Reaching the end of Redwood Drive and the expansive views of the Tule River Valley and Slate Mountain visible on the way, you’ll reach the quaint collection of cabins nestled among a large group of Sequoia Trees. This is one of the only places in the world where private cabins were allowed to be constructed inside of a grove like this and it has created a surreal dichotomy of people and nature.
Parking your car at one of the many dirt roads that lead from the community into the larger mass of ancient trees and their supporting habitat you will have a web of trails all over the tree-covered hilltop from which you can explore in serenity, the majesty of the giants. It is here that the Friends of the Sequoia non-profit organization have set up their camp for volunteers who charge themselves with the care and protection of this grove and just a half mile hike beyond it the main event……the Alonzo Stagg Tree, clocking in as the 5th largest tree in the world, and the largest outside of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
Sitting at 7,000 feet in elevation, the air is a little thinner and cleaner than what you’ll find in the other groves of the area and the views of the Mountain Home State Forest groves of Sequoias across the canyon blend into the towering hillsides of Moses and Maggie Mountains, home to other lesser-known groves and alpine lakes that can be reached by the Summit Trail which passes the ridge above the Stagg Tree where you are standing. It is the majestic mountain views of this grove that make it special and a preferred alternative to the Trail of 100 Giants.
Adding to the appeal over the more traveled and trampled groves are the smaller crowds, larger trees and more lush supporting fauna which create a paradisical backdrop to the ancient trees themselves. At this elevation in the summer, hiking temperatures are perfect and cool. In the winter abundant snow draws in many visitors from the warm lowlands who enjoy a day of sledding and snowball fights.
For more information, check out:
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/StaggTree.html

11/03/2023

Trail of 100 Giants is the most popular attraction in the Sequoia National Monument as is a must-see destination for people all over the world. A parking lot located off the Great Divide Highway, known officially as the Long Meadow Grove, gives you access to a one mile loop trail through a well-preserved grove of giant sequoias. Saved by firefighters during the recent windy fire, the grove is open again to visitors and the crowds have been pouring in all summer. There is a gift shop and restrooms available for your convenience.
For more information, check out:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/recarea/?recid=79825
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/TrailOf100Giants.html

11/03/2023

The Needles are an iconic landmark in the Sequoia National Monument and are made up of granitic dome intrusions that have been eroded away over time. In the past, a wildfire lookout tower sat on top of one of the peaks and had a trail and a staircase that the public could use to visit it. Ironically, the fire lookout station was destroyed by a fire years ago, but the rocks and the trail remain. This area is used as one of the greatest rock-climbing places anywhere and is very popular by those who climb. It is also visited by those who want to hike the 2.5 miles in and enjoy the many viewpoints, with some visitors braving the abandoned stairs.
For more information, check out:
https://www.summitpost.org/the-needles/151043

11/03/2023

Grab your paddles and sign up for an adventurous rafting trip down the popular Kern River. Once the training river of the US Olympic Team, outfitters provide runs for all skill levels. There are several outfitters to choose from.
For more information, check out:
https://www.sierrasouth.com/
https://kernrafting.com/

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Peppermint Falls is a top family favorite for us. The short one-mile hike leads to a beautiful, multi-staged waterfall cascading down to the Kern River. We like spending time in the scenic pools above the falls, and taking the steep trail to the base of the falls and back up. The cool mist and water relieve the summer heat. It is especially spectacular in spring when the snowmelt is at its highest and the falls are roaring. Bring family and friends and enjoy a great half day.
For more information, check out:
http://kernriversierra.com/hike/Peppermint_Creek_Falls_Hike.html?fbclid=IwAR1NEdky4AFUsJdr_XGISd9M3oaP99owMASC65zcaL7VSh2U83kTcGjkdko

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Dome Rock is just 25 minutes from the cabin and offers exceptional views of the Kern River Valley. A granitic intrusion sticking out of the side of the mountain can be accessed from Highway 190 and a dirt road that leads to a parking area. A short trail takes you to the top. This is one of several excellent rock climbing areas that offers climbing opportunities for all skill levels. All my children have enjoyed rappelling here as have many others we've gone with.
For more information, check out:
https://www.summitpost.org/dome-rock-ca/153955

11/03/2023

The Tule River has many popular swimming holes along the highway leading to the cabin. Hot valley summers bring scores of locals to dip in the refreshing waters.
One favorite site for visitors and locals alike is the waterfall above the powerplant. A turnout in the road allows for parking and a short hike down-hill brings you to the top of the scenic fall. The pool below is deep and relatively calm and the towering cliffs allow for jumping on both sides of the river. As always use caution when attempting activities such as this. The rivers in the Sierras can be swift and dangerous. Avoid this activity in the spring and when water flows are high.

11/03/2023

The Freeman Creek Grove is a large grove for the area and is home to the famous George Bush Tree, one of the biggest out there. You can access a trailhead that leads down the mountain through the grove from a parking area near Quaking Aspen, or can drive north from Johnsondale, turn off along a dirt road and reach a parking area near the Bush Tree.
For more information, check out:
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/Freeman.html

11/03/2023

Just below Johnsondale, before you reach the Kern River is a trailhead that leads to the Seven Teacups. People come from distant places to see this natural phenomenon, who enjoy canyoneering down the gorge, jumping from pool to pool, fishing or just enjoying the scenery.
The trail to this site is a few miles long, so bring plenty of water and sun protection when you go. The reward at the end, is very much worth the effort though.
For more information, check out:
ernhiker.com/hike/canyoneering-the-seven-teacups/

11/03/2023

Our family hiked a portion of the Nelson Trail this past summer and found it to be one of our favorite places in the area. Beginning at the Belknap Campground, a trail runs along the south side of the Tule River, past historic cabins and excellent river scenery with giant sequoia trees all around. Further up the trail it moves to the north side of the river and passes through several other groves that combine to form what is called the Belknap Complex.
This is the closest Sequoia Trailhead to the cabin and is highly recommended.
For more information, check out:
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/Nelson.html

11/03/2023

Located a few miles north of Johnsondale on the Forest Service Road, you can find the Alder Creek Slabs or Natural Waterslides as they are known locally. We took our family here this past summer and enjoyed it very much. It requires a hike of about a mile from the road parking to get to the spot, and it can be a little crowded in the summer, but that is only because it is so fun. Our kids joined us on repeated trips down the smooth, but wavy creek into the calm but deep po… See more

11/03/2023

A few miles north of Johnsondale, along the Forest Service Road, is a spot where you can park and make a short half-mile hike to the beautiful Nobe Young Falls. Once there, it is easy to hike up behind the waterfall for a unique view of the cascading water and views of the Kern River Valley beyond.
For more information, check out:
http://kernriversierra.com/hike/Nobe_Young_Falls_Hike.html

11/03/2023

Standing guard over the Kern River near Johnsondale, is the triangular Sentinel Peak with a 1.7 mile trail leading to the top. Views from the top are magnificent. Highly recommend this moderate level hike any time of the year.
For more information, check out:

http://kernriversierra.com/hike/Sentinel_Peak_Trail.html

11/03/2023

Lake Success is located just 35 minutes from the cabin and has been a popular place to visit in the summer for many of our guests. There is a nice park to enjoy the outdoors next to the lake and a marina where you can rent a boat and enjoy fishing, swimming or touring the lake. For more information, check out:

https://www.successlakemarina.com/

11/03/2023

The incredible history of the Giant Sequoia National Monument:
When gold was discovered in 1848, California was under American military occupation in the war against Mexico. Living safely within the protected mountains of the Sierra-Nevada were dozens of Yokut tribes of Native Americas, subsisting on hunting and gathering and living largely unknown and unbothered by the larger world. They made bread from the acorns of abundant oak trees on the fertile hillsides and gathered in villages along the riverbanks. The earliest artifact of these tribes was found in the Mountain Home State Forest site known as the Indian Bathtubs, which is accessible by car. The artifact has been carbon dated to 8,000 years ago and is described on a sign displayed at the site. In 1848, knowledge of the giant sequoia trees dotting the steep western slopes of the mountains was held only by these native groups. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s, after the settling of European settlers had taken its toll on the native tribes, were the giant sequoia trees discovered to the larger world.
For decades they were logged, and the rare trees were toppled down. Their wood proved to be too soft and weak to be useful in building construction or just about any other worthy economic pursuit. There are stories circulating the Central Valley that once toppled, the trees were sent down to sawmills to eventually become stakes for propping up grape vines and toothpicks, uses that could have been achieved by cutting down any number of other non-threatened species of tree. It is sad to us that the logging of so many of these ancient trees was for such frivolous purposes.
Wide-spread logging before the turn of the 20th century inspired the public to clamor for their protection. Three national forests, three national parks, and various state holdings have met that demand. For over a century, the Sequoia Groves outside of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were managed as a National Forest and in April 2000 over 300,000 acres were carved out of the National Forest to become the Giant Sequoia National Monument, giving added protection to the trees and area.
Federal forest management practice over the last 30 years has consisted of ending the selective logging of other types of trees, avoiding the prescribed burns necessary to clear the accumulated undergrowth and fighting wildfires that are otherwise natural to the area. This led to a massive accumulation of undergrowth and an overgrowth of forest trees that fueled catastrophic wildfires in the area in 2020 and 2021. These fires turned hundreds of thousands of acres of forest to ash, killed hundreds of ancient sequoia trees that had withstood previous fires for thousands of years and destroyed communities throughout the region. With this devastation came new discussions and greater attention to the need to actively manage forests rather than promote a hands-off approach.
Although much of the Sequoia National Monument is scorched, the majority ancient giants and groves remain. Communities are rebuilding. Trees are being replanted by armies of volunteers. Nature is raining down new life and the animals are returning from their temporary shelters in the residential areas to food supplies growing back up in the larger forests.
Although recent flooding from record precipitation in 2023 has severely damaged road access to some locations, these roads are being quickly restored and constructed to be stronger and safer than ever. Rivers are roaring with cool mountain snowmelt; the trout are returning in great numbers. Visitors are invited to come back up the hill and watch the rebirth of a new forest and enjoy the peace and majesty of the giant trees.

11/03/2023

If you're like many of our guests here at the Cabin, running into wildlife is one of the most cherished experiences. Of all the animals that live in this forest, the California Mule Deer is the most common. They are very tame and accustomed to people. It is almost guaranteed that you will see them walking around the cabin and community at some point, sometimes very close to you. While they are cute and fun, problems can arise with these deer and other animals when guests don’t keep in mind a few simple recommendations.
1. Don’t feed the animals – everyone has heard this by now, but it remains important advice. Animals thrive best when they eat the natural foods that nature provides, but when human foods are introduced, they often forget nature and develop a longing for more and more human food. After all, nature doesn’t salt the food or infuse it with sugar. Once animals develop this taste and find ways to obtain this food, it becomes hard for them to return to hunting and gathering in nature. This can have a long-term effect on their ability to survive and often leads them to becoming aggressive towards humans when they wouldn’t otherwise be.
2. Be careful where you leave trash – several guests have left trash bags outside of the cabin over-night only to find them gone in the morning. Later, their trash bags were located in the woods having been shredded and devoured by animals and those animals were spotted on the deck the next night, sniffing around the windows and looking for more. Keep trash inside until it is time to leave and take it with you down the mountain. Alternately, our cleaners will haul it out for you for just $5 per bag.
3. Don’t leave food or trash in cars, even if in metal cans – Animals can easily smell food you have inside of a locked car, even when in cans or other sealed containers. We’ve seen animals tear through car doors and get into such food, ripping open cans with their paws and making a huge mess in your car. Damage to cars can be significant. Please be careful with this.
4. Make noise and make yourself big. If you find yourself in any risky situation with a wild animal, that you can’t run away from, lift your hands in the air, making yourself as big as possible and make as loud of a noise as you are capable. Bang a pan with a spoon. Whatever you can use. In 45 years of coming up to these mountains, we’ve never had a scary incident like this, but we’ve seen a lot of wild animals here and this is what we’ve been trained to do. The more noise the better.

11/03/2023

Here are our favorite 5 restaurants in the National Monument:
1. Pierpoint Bar and Grill – Hands down the local favorite. Located just half a mile from the cabin (we often just walk down), this is the top local gathering spot. Includes great dinners, a convenience store and live music on the weekends from local musicians. Local art is displayed inside the dining hall. When the dinner hour starts to wrap up the bar stays lively until late.
2. Slate Mountain Saloon – The top saloon in the area and a lively scene in the evenings. Just a half mile from the cabin and next to another convenience store for your stocking up needs. They serve a good array of foods in addition to the alcohol.
3. Cowpuncher’s Cafe – Located in downtown Springville, just a 30-minute drive down the mountain, this unique local favorite offers all kids of cowboy specials. Breakfast lunch and dinner in a quaint western setting.
4. El Tapatio – Located in downtown Springville, just a 30-minute drive down the mountain, El Tapatio is a South County favorite for Mexican food. Ask anyone in Porterville or Springville. Generous servings.
5. Poor Richard’s Pizza - Located in downtown Springville, just a 30-minute drive down the mountain, Great pizza, great people, great experience. Located inside the historic Springville Inn.
Aside from these favorites, Porterville is 45 minutes away and has dozens of restaurant choices, including many recognizable chain restaurants.

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Major Attractions at the Sequoia National Monument. Proud of this little creation.

Trout River Cabin

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