Poker Flat

I ran this trail solo on a beautiful summer afternoon on Sunday and didn’t see another soul the entire trail. Poker flats is always fun to run, I try to do it at least once or twice a year. Dropping down into poker flats and then back up again, is always exhilarating and a bit challenging. these sections require clearance and four-wheel-drive, sprinter vans, and Subaru is not recommended. I accidentally got off trail at Howland flat and went on the extension of the poker flats road, this was quite challenging and I had to do a U-turn in a little bit of a precarious situation. All good fun. This is a very highly recommended trail.

Trail is fully open. West of the Poker Flat town there are some trees down in the rough rocky section that you can move or just drive on/around. We got through in a raptor but used the sliders.

The trail have some spots were the water is running downhill on the trail, making it hard to climb. You have to cross the river, not too shallow. 2 downed trees blocking the road so you race to drive them around through some loose rocks and tree limbs. The trail is dry, but before of the loose rocks and narrow paths.

I would rate this a 5-6. Definitely not a 4. I was in a stock 2023 Tacoma and would’ve made it out without damage but got impatient on an obstacle and slid into a down tree, jacking up my door panels pretty good. A stock F-150 and Ranger Raptor made it without issue. I would attempt this trail again with rock sliders, and a lift.

took this on my xr650 solo, theres a approx 8 mile stretch from how flat 4x4 to poker flat that was gnarly was one of the hardest i have done on that bike been riding for 10 years. made it out very tough trail but had a great time.

This trail is rated a 4 out of 10, which seems low for what it is. I think it can easily be a 5-6, especially in the ~5 miles going in/out of Poker Flat Campground. Climbing out toward La Porte is harder for sure, but the climb out toward Downieville is no walk in the park either. I’m in a slightly modified 5th gen 4Runner with a small lift and 33” tires…anything less than that I would worry. It’s a nice and challenging trail, just don’t let the “4-rating” fool you, I would argue it rides on the upper bound of “moderate”, especially inside ~5 miles of the campground. Have fun out there and be safe!

ok...the first two pictures are mine and my friends jeeps. both lifted locked...very well built. The other pics I screenshoted from videos because I keep seeing "a stock rig could do it" reviews. maybe a few stock rigs could, with an experienced driver. Like stock Rubicon jeeps or new Broncos. I've been 4x4ing for decades. I wouldn't do this trail in a stock rig. maybe to the campground and back out the same way. so, Downieville and back. If you go towards LaPorte up from the campground you need clearance,good 33inch (at least!) tires, and rear locker minimum. Otherwise it could be a very long walk out. Potentially without your stuck or broken rig...just one older, very experienced man's opinion. BUT DO WHAT YOU WANT LOL

The trail took us just over 6 hours including all the stops we made. We went the La Porte to DownieVille route which was awesome. The steep decline into Poker Flat was very rocky and would require some good placement in some areas for a stock vehicle. The incline after the water crossing was also very steep and would definitely require 4x4. We did a short side trail after we reached the top which was very overgrown but worth it until we reached a massive pine tree across the trail. The tree came after the second vehicle in our convoy popped a tire on a branch or log. We finished with the lookout tower which had a Forestry employee inside. The view from the tower was worth the detour. We only had to move over for one other vehicle and two dirt bikes.

Trail is a normal service road, until you reach Poker Flats. The climb out of Poker Flats heading towards La Porte is a doozy. A stock rig could do it, as long as you have some clearance. I had to use my rear locker on a portion. Fun trail though! P.S. Prepare for some minor pinstripes. There were some tight squeezes.

About 5 miles on either side of the campground it was steep, large loose rocks with large logs to navigate around (they had been sawed and/or moved. Sometimes tight between them) on the La Porte side. I had read it was easier on the La Porte side but it was just as difficult for me. There was a Catapiller working on the Downieville side at the county maintained sign. It was a good trail. We (one rig, me and my wife) were the only ones Monday night at the campground. It took about an hour each to navigate the 5 miles before and after the campground. Total to navigate from Downieville to La Porte was 4-5 hours at a leisurely pace.

Trail is open and clear. Stream crossing is normal depth. Met some great people on the trail enjoying Father’s Day the same way I like too on a trail having fun.

Trail was in great condition until I got to the creek crossing. Since I was alone decided not to take a chance as the water was running fast and was probably over 2 feet deep.

Ran from Downieville. Found Saddleback fire lookout was closed. Cleared several downed trees. Was able to get through all the snow spots. Did not attempt passing the creek as the water was as high as our floor boards.