The Flume Trail
The Flume Trail (Trail 50) follows the route of a late-1800's flume that brought water from Spring Creek, near Sheridan Lake to placer mines near Rockerville. Most of the route follows the actual route of the old flume. The Centennial Trail (Trail 89) shares the pathway with the Flume Trail from Sheridan Lake to just past the dam. Along the 11-mile course, hikers will see old artifacts left over from mining days. Most notably, the trail passes through two old tunnels that were dug to allow water to flow through on it's way to Rockerville. There are routes over the old tunnels for those who do not like tunnels. The Flume Trail is rated as easy to moderate. Photo ops abound as do shady sections on the trail(s). The three main trailheads are at Sheridan Lake, Boulder Hill and the Coon Hollow Trailhead at the eastern end of the trail. There are two extra loop trails off the Flume Trail that are available to hikers who want more. Loop A (2.7 miles) is achieved by following the path from where the Centennial Trail branches off at the Sheridan Lake dam and following that trail along Spring Creek to a spur which takes hikers back up to the Flume Trail. Loop B (3.8 miles) is easy to pick up at the Boulder Hill Trailhead. The Boulder Hill Trailhead also offers hikers a chance to hike up to the summit of Boulder Hill. For more about that hike, click on our Boulder Hill link: Boulder Hill
For more information and a map, you can download a PDF by clicking here: Flume Trail Guide & Map
For more information and a map, you can download a PDF by clicking here: Flume Trail Guide & Map
The photos above show the Flume Trail in the Sheridan Lake area, leading up to the first tunnel. The photos below show the first tunnel west of Sheridan Lake on the Flume Trail. The tunnels are subject to standing water, especially during rainy seasons. The water depth below the planks appears to be at least 6-8 inches.
The photos below show the Flume Trail and loop junctions in the Boulder Hill trailhead area, plus the Coon Hollow trailhead.
Hope says: Need a moment away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life? When I was a young person growing up in suburbs of St. Paul/Minneapolis I loved to hop on my bike and ride until the traffic, the noise and the people were behind me and I found a tree to climb. [Not an easy task in farming country]. I would climb it and: talk to God, read a book, enjoy the air…and eat an apple for nourishment before another one to two hour bike ride back home.
Seriously, a trip to the Centennial/Flume Trail in the Sheridan Lake area—especially in the Spring or Autumn, you know, during the middle of the week, outside of the busy time of year, is the same tonic as those younger, care-free days we all long for again!
No, I am no longer climbing trees, but I am meandering through them in a manner of speaking on the wonderful trails. Due to my mobility issues I tend to keep to the tamer paths and am grateful for the company of my wonderful partner. Just a couple of weeks ago I was simply in awe at the seamless beauty. The color and serenity of the sky and water at Sheridan Lake were in absolute synchronicity!
And for those who cannot get away for the day…I encourage you to take a moment to visit a local park or sit under a tree in the yard of your home or apartment complex…those days I was unable to take the day to bike out of town I simply climbed a tree in the front yard and “hid away” from nosey neighbors and pesky siblings…where there is a will, there is a way. Breathe in the fresh air, clear out the cobwebs and remember the peace and joy God created in the beginning. ~Hope
Seriously, a trip to the Centennial/Flume Trail in the Sheridan Lake area—especially in the Spring or Autumn, you know, during the middle of the week, outside of the busy time of year, is the same tonic as those younger, care-free days we all long for again!
No, I am no longer climbing trees, but I am meandering through them in a manner of speaking on the wonderful trails. Due to my mobility issues I tend to keep to the tamer paths and am grateful for the company of my wonderful partner. Just a couple of weeks ago I was simply in awe at the seamless beauty. The color and serenity of the sky and water at Sheridan Lake were in absolute synchronicity!
And for those who cannot get away for the day…I encourage you to take a moment to visit a local park or sit under a tree in the yard of your home or apartment complex…those days I was unable to take the day to bike out of town I simply climbed a tree in the front yard and “hid away” from nosey neighbors and pesky siblings…where there is a will, there is a way. Breathe in the fresh air, clear out the cobwebs and remember the peace and joy God created in the beginning. ~Hope
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7