COOL LOOP HIKE
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN:
1200 feet. In general, the trail is nicely sloped but there
are several rocky and rather long stretches.
HIKE DISTANCE: 8 1/4 miles
GENERAL LOCATION:
Trailhead near the confluence of the Middle and South Forks of the
American River beyond “No Hands Bridge”.
DESCRIPTION:
We begin on the Quarry Road Trail and follow the middle fork of the
American River for 2 miles. Then we climb uphill about 800
feet
on the somewhat rocky Tevis Western States Trail where we end up along
the edge of the active Cool Cave Quarry. After crossing
Highway
49 we continue climbing a little more along the Western States Trail
which takes us into the town of Cool. Following lunch in Cool
we
will head downhill to return on the more familiar portion of the
Western States Trail passing through a broad meadow, many different
vegetation types and across two beautiful little waterfalls.
Toward the end of the hike we come to a major overlook of the Middle
Fork of the American River and then take a small side trail down to the
cars.
LUNCH:
Midway through the hike we will have lunch in Cool at the American
River Pizza and Grill. They have sandwiches, pizza and
hamburgers. The lunch special is a personal size pizza or ½ a
sandwich with salad bar and drink for $9.29.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:
Travel time to the trailhead is approximately 35 minutes.
Return
to Lincoln Hills around 3:00 PM. A contribution of $3.00 to
the
driver is recommended.
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:
Jim Fisher / Denny Fisher
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE:
There is a pit toilet at the beginning of the hike and 2 miles into the
hike, and of course a restroom where we have lunch in the restaurant.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
1) Might want to bring old hiking boots
because they
may get muddy. Bring layered clothing. Wear long pants and
long
sleeved shirts not only because it may be cold but also because of
poison oak along the trail.
2) If you have health issues please
consider your condition before hiking.
3) Bring a copy of your ID (Drivers
License), health
card, and emergency contact name phone number with you on the hike.
4) Always bring an extra pair of shoes
with a plastic
bag to store your muddy/dusty shoes after the hike. Do not get your
driver’s car dirty by wearing your dirty shoes home.
5) Bring snacks, sunscreen, hat and water.
RISKS: Possible mud and poison oak. We will try to
avoid a
$10.00 parking fee by parking on the side of the road near the Quarry
Road Trail entrance.
QUESTIONS: Call Denny Fisher at 505-4948
MEETING TIME:
8:30 – leave for hike at 8:45am.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
AMERICAN RIVER PIZZA AND GRILL MENU
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