There is a dense network of mining roads (and private land) on Atlanta Hill. There is active mining in the area, so tread carefully.
Looking north across the Atlanta Valley into Joe Daley Creek (left of center). The high peaks on Nahneke Mountain can be seen in the top right of the photo.
Much of the area around Atlanta has experienced significant wildfire in the last 14 years. Most of the fires burned quite hot and left nothing behind but this dead forest. This view is looking down onto Decker Creek from the Flint Creek Creek Trail.
Though badly scarred by the Trail Creek Fire in 2000, the lush green hillsides above Decker Creek are stunning even in August.
Eventually hikers and bikers leave the burn and enter healthy forest in the headwaters of Decker Creek.
The junction with the Senator Creek Trail marks the beginning of a steep climb up and over to Grouse Creek further west.
The upper Decker Creek Canyon was spared from severe burning. This is the view from the climb up and over to Grouse Creek.
Upper Grouse Creek was heavily burned as well. The cirque at the head of Grouse Creek holds two small lakes that can be reached by a mile-long spur trail off of the main loop.
Grouse Creek is open to ATVs, so the riding is along a wider double-track trail.
Lower Decker Creek. Once riders reach the bottom of Grouse Creek there is still a 4-mile ride (mostly descent) down the old mining roads on Yuba Creek. Once the site of a bustling mining town, the canyon now feels remote and removed from civilization.