Wednesday, December 2

Day Hike (1A) Sweetwater Trail

This trail along Folsom Lake from the Salmon Falls Bridge is a pleasant hike along the shoreline. If the lake is still low, we will make a loop, crossing over the old bridge (usually covered with water) and coming back on the Darrington trail. Total distance in either case is about 6 miles. Bring lunch, water, and essentials. Meet at Burger King, on Lincoln Way at Foresthill Exit off I-80 near Auburn at 9:30 a.m. or at the southwest end of the bridge on Salmon Falls Road at 10 a.m. No dogs. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Chris Fox, fox_chris@att.net or 916-918-9510.

Saturday, December 5

Hike (1A) Cache Creek Firescape (Yolano Group)

The Cache Creek/Lake County region was devastated by three major fires this summer.  The Valley fire destroyed large parts of Cobb and Middletown, while the Rocky and Jerusalem fires swept through the ridges and hiking trails around Cache Creek.  This hike will explore one corner of the devastated hiking area, giving us a vivid image of what fire can do to the landscape.  In future we will repeat the hike in spring and fall 2016 to witness habitat recovery.  The hike will climb the Judge Davis trail to ridgetop, follow ridges, and return on the Cache Creek Ridge trail.  The hike is approximately 5+ miles with 800’ cumulative elevation gain.  Bring lunch, water, and essentials. No dogs.  Rain cancels. Group size may be limited.  Contact leader for meeting information and reservation.  Leader: Jim Cramer, (530) 756-3973 or cramerjc@gmail.com.

Wednesday, December 9

Day Hike (1A) Olmstead Loop -Lukens Mine Trail (Canyon Keepers Hike)

Hike 5 miles on some little known trails on the southern half of the larger Olmstead Loop.  Loop will take us from Hwy 49 and Catecroft gate to rim overlooking American River across from Maidu area of Auburn.  Trail will occasionally cross main Olmstead Loop.  Experience a variety of terrain, as trail alternates between wide and narrow sections as it wends its way across open meadows as well as thickly forested areas.   Hike has some up, some down, some flat, with open sunny areas alternating with shady forested ones.  Bring snack, (since there is no good spot to sit along the trail) water, and essentials.  Meet at 9:30 am at Burger King on Lincoln Way in Auburn at Foresthill Exit off I-80.   No dogs.  Rain cancels.  Leader:  Sheila Toner, 530-886-0673.

Tuesday, December 15             Cancelled by Leader due to muddy trail/bad weather

Day Hike (2B) Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, El Cerrito

We’ll enjoy lush riparian habitats as we hike up canyon from El Cerrito to ridge top.  Then in open oak grassland we’ll follow ridges with lovely views of the SF Bay and descend back to cars, passing an historic mental asylum.  The hike is approximately 8 miles with about 1200’ cumulative elevation gain.  One short downhill section is a bit steep.  Bring lunch, water, and essentials, and be prepared for possible mud.  Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Davis Park and Ride behind Ikedas Fruit Stand off I-80 at Mace Blvd. in Davis.  No dogs.  Rain cancels.  Leader: Jim Cramer, 530-756-3973 or cramerjc@gmail.com.

Wednesday, December 16

Day Hike (1A) Riverview, & Western States Trail (WST) Loop

This approx. 5-mile loop combines some interesting river views and local history. We'll start by hiking down to Riverview Trail, which mainly follows the route of the 20^th century Mt Quarries RR.  After a short, steep climb up to the WST trail we'll follow it back to our starting point.  Bring snack, water and essentials.  Consider joining us for a late pre-holiday lunch in Auburn after the hike.  No dogs.  Rain cancels.  Meet in Auburn at Burger King, on Lincoln Way at Foresthill Exit off I-80 at 9:30 a.m. or at Overlook in Auburn at 9:50 am.  Leader:  Sheila Toner 530-886-0673