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