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What is the Esoteric Society?
Around 1891, Hiram Erastus Butler arrived in Applegate
from Boston, where he had previously been a member of Madame Blavatsky's
Theosophical Society. He had authored a book entitled "Solar Biology,"
challenging various philosophical beliefs of Blavatsky's popular sect, and had
formed a new organization called the Esoteric Society to promote his ideas.
He and his new group migrated to their present
Applegate location, not far from the railroad line that had brought them west,
to be free to live their beliefs. They built a publishing operation and
religeous retreat on the grounds of the 90 acre property. The buildings were
constructed from bricks made by Society members on the property, using local
manzanita to fire the brick kiln. The printing press and bindery are still
operational, and the library houses an extensive collection of religeous and
philosophical tracts.
MVTA has a long-standing agreement with the Society,
allowing our members access to the property in exchange for regular efforts
to help keep the trails clear and reduce fire danger.
Features:
The Esoteric trails meander among groves of manzanita
and pine above the canyon of the North Fork of the American River.
Near the trailhead parking area, there is also access onto BLM
trails that connect to the Boole Road area to the South and to the Codfish
Creek area to the North.
Difficulty:
The Esoteric trails are easy-to-moderate in difficulty.
Most of the trails follow old wagon roads; some are single track.
Availability:
MVTA members have permission to use the trails
year-round, during daylight hours.
The trail network is multi-use, but non-motorized only.
To avoid causing erosion, steep sections of the trails should be avoided during
the rainy season (usually mid-November thru mid-April.)
NOTE: Please avoid the the residential area further
uphill to the right (South side) of the parking
area.
Map Notes:
Click on the map above to view a detailed version.
Driving access is via Boole Road from the I-80 Applegate exit. The two roadways
from the front gate up to the parking area are unpaved, narrow, and may have
pot holes or high center sections. Drive with care.
The trailhead is marked on the map by a circle-P parking
icon. There is space for several full-size vehicles or a couple of 3-horse
trailer rigs. Entry by larger rigs is not recommended due to the nature of the
roadways from the gate to the parking area.
Cautions:
 These trails traverse
Cougar Habitat. Cougar sightings are rare,
but use good sense: Do not walk or ride these trails alone. Keep small
children and pets close at hand.
Poison Oak grows along
some of these trails and may hang out into the trail in places.
Drinking Water must be carried with you. Creek and
river water are not safe for human
consumption, no matter how clean it looks. Drink it only in an emergency
and consult a doctor afterwards.
Directions to the trailhead:
- From I-80, take the Applegate exit and follow the
overpass road East to where it T's into Applegate Road.
- Go left onto Applegate Road; the road passes through a
one-lane tunnel under the railroad.
- Take an immediate right after the tunnel onto Boole
Road. Boole Road is narrow and has poor shoulders, so drive with care. Look
for a left turn about a mile down. There is a sign on the side that reads,
"Esoteric Publishing Society."
- The gate to the Esoteric property is about 1/4 mile
in. The gate is generally open, but leave it as you found it, both coming
and going.
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