Sierra County Nature and Wildlife There are several opportunities for viewing wildlife; at dusk, bridges in Downieville are likely to produce bats and swallows foraging for food. Kingfishers and osprey also feed in the vicinity. The Empire Creek Trail near Downieville passes through large areas of older forests inhabited by pileated woodpeckers, northern goshawks, pine marten, and California spotted owl. In the spring, the deer herd moves to the higher elevations to fawn. Jackson Meadows Reservoir entertains broods of Canada geese, mergansers, mallards, and green-winged teal. Several meadows offer good evening views of mule deer and bald eagles visit in the late fall. There are also black bears, foxes, and racoons in the area, but these animals are rarely seen. Granite Chief Trail Information

Wildflowers and Fall Colors In spring, dogwood blooms along the banks of the many rivers and massive patches of monkey flowers invade the wet seeps of canyon walls. Scotch broom adds brilliant patches of yellow. The dogwood puts on a fall color display in the with vibrant colored leaves of fiery orange to deep pink.

The Granite Chief Wilderness is located between 5000 feet in the valleys to 9000 feet on some peaks. This 25,680 acre wilderness is not as crowded as other nearby wilderness areas. Be prepared for changeable weather and bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry.

Season: Deep snow usually makes the Granite Chief inaccessible to hiking until May or early June, though this varies with the snowfall from year to year. North facing slopes can remain patchy with snow until July.

Hikers are not required to have wilderness permits at this time. Campfires are allowed with a current California campfire permit. Some camping restrictions are in effect in the Five Lakes Basin and along portions of Five Lakes Creek to protect fragile resources.

While permits are not required for travel or overnight stay in Granite Chief Wilderness, some other rules and regulations do apply:
Permit: California Campfire Permit for gas stove or wood fire. When wildfire danger is high, you may be restricted from building campfires, using stoves, or smoking. Check the Fire Restriction Status page for more information.

Group size: 12 persons, day and overnight use.

Stock limits: 12 head of stock per group for either day or overnight use. Stock are prohibited within 600 feet of all wilderness lakes except to pass through the Five Lakes basin on the trail.

Restoration Areas
Five Lakes Basin: Camping, fires and stoves are prohibited within 600 feet of any of the lakes in the Five Lakes Basin (NE corner of wilderness, just above Alpine Meadows.
Whiskey Creek Structures: Camping, fires and stoves are prohibited within 250 feet of the Whiskey Creek structures (less than one mile southwest of Five Lakes on the Whiskey Creek trail).
Fawning Season Closures:
During fawning season, deer are extremely sensitive to disturbances. Fawns are in their most vulnerable stages and does are stressed from the birthing process.

From May 15 to July 15 fawning areas in the Granite Chief Wilderness are closed to dogs. During this time, visitors are also discouraged from travelling in these areas.

Dogs are prohibited between May 15 and July 15 in these locations:
Wilderness portion of the French Meadows Game Refuge, except for the area east of the Pacific Crest Trail, and Big Springs trail and the portion of Five Lakes creek that parallels the trail south of the Whiskey Creek structures, basically in the middle of the wilderness.