Belden is located in the heart of the Feather River Canyon and along the Feather River Scenic Byway. Situated on the river’s south bank, the town is accessible from Highway 70 via the Belden Bridge. The combination of its riverside location, highway access, and railroad history gives the destination a distinct character: you can assess Belden based on whether you would like to include its historical connections or the hiking trails described here in your travel plans.
Local History Along the Railroad
Belden was officially established in 1905, when the Western Pacific Railroad was built. A railway stop made the town a starting point for fishing and hunting trips in the early 20th century. The Belden Bridge was originally built in 1913 as part of a railroad connection. Together, these details point to two distinct milestones: 1905 marks the town’s official establishment during railroad construction, while 1913 marks the bridge’s original role in the railroad connection. For travelers interested in transportation history, this makes clear that Belden is associated with more than one date and has several specific railroad connections.
Eby Stamp Mill and Gold Mining
The Eby Stamp Mill shifts the focus from transportation to mining history. It is an example of a hard-rock gold-mining facility used to crush ore. The Belden North Trailhead is located at the historic Eby Stamp Mill on Highway 70. The Eby Mill is the only gold-mining machine still standing along the Feather River between Oroville and Quincy. Its function is therefore easy to identify: while the Belden Bridge and the former railway stop highlight transportation, the mill points to the technical side of gold production. Those interested in industrial history will find a different way to explore the town’s past here.
The Route to the Pacific Crest Trail
The landscape can also be explored via a specifically described route. From the Belden Equestrian Trailhead, a short connector trail climbs about 150 feet in elevation via switchbacks to the Pacific Crest Trail. These details complement each other: the switchbacks describe the route, while the approximate elevation gain indicates the climb. When planning your trip, you can consider the route and elevation gain as separate points of reference. The two features answer different questions: the switchbacks describe how the connector trail runs; the elevation figure quantifies the approximate climb. This gives you a more specific way to consider access than simply naming the Pacific Crest Trail.
Choose Belden as Your Place to Stay
If access to the Pacific Crest Trail is a deciding factor for you, consider the Belden Equestrian Trailhead and the connector trail described here when making your choice. This lets you first assess whether Belden’s specific attractions match your travel interests before comparing accommodation options.
Discover more destinations: Johnsville, Chester, Plumas Eureka, Quincy, Lake Almanor Peninsula, Graeagle, Spring Garden, Portola.
For the broader travel guide: Plumas.
