LAKE NATOMA TRAIL
FOLSOM, CA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous because of distance.
ELEVATION GAIN:
This hike is on a paved bike/walking trail. There are a few
slight inclines and one climb to the Hazel Avenue American River
Overpass. Total elevation gain on the hike is about 200 to 300
feet.
HIKE DISTANCE:
About 7 to 8 miles. Length is what makes it strenuous not
elevation gain. This hike is a variation on the Lake Natoma Loop
hike that the club has done in the past. The original hike
circumnavigated Lake Natoma and was about 11 ½ miles long. On
this hike we start in downtown Folsom, CA, hike about 2/3rds of the way
around the lake and return to Folsom via light rail from the Hazel
Avenue station.
GENERAL LOCATION:
Lake Natoma located between Folsom, CA and downstream (west) to the
Nimbus Fish Hatchery at Hazel Avenue, Sacamento, CA near Highway 50.
DESCRIPTION:
Scenic Lake Natoma is the focus of this paved loop trail. We will
not take the entire loop, but we will hike about 2/3rds of the way
around the lake. Wildlife abounds in the marshes and oak
woodlands along the trail. The loop also provides glimpses of
Gold Rush history as well as beautiful views of the lake. A short
ways beyond mid-way on the hike we will stop at the Nimbus Fish
Hatchery on Hazel Avenue.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:
About 30 to 35 minutes each way. We will drive from Lincoln to
downtown Folsom, hike to the Hazel Avenue light rail station, take
light rail back to downtown Folsom and then return to Lincoln.
Hiking time is between 4 to 5 hours. Return to Lincoln about 3:30
to 4:00 pm. The one-way distance is about 20 miles. Based
upon the length of the drive, a per-person monetary contribution for
gas would be appreciated: $3.00 to be given to driver at beginning of
drive. Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all
drivers. Be sure to bring money for your light rail fare. A
single ride ticket is $1.25 for Seniors (62 & older).
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Jim Fisher/Denny Fisher
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Bathrooms are available at Folsom parking garage and along the trail.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
1. Hiking boots and hiking poles, water, layered clothing, bring: lunch.
2. Copy of your ID (Driver’s License), Health Card, Emergency contact Name and phone number, and credit card.
3.
Bring 2 pairs of shoes along with a plastic bag to store your muddy,
dusty hiking boots after the hike. Please do not get your
driver’s car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
RISKS:
None to speak of. Trail is paved. While it is also used by
bikers and joggers, we will walk on the opposite side of the trail
allowing us to see oncoming traffic. Poison oak can be found in
the woodlands along the trail, but trail is well cleared. If we
stay on the trail, we should not come in contact with any poison
oak. If you are extremely succeptable to poison oak, it is always
a good idea to take necessary precautions.
QUESTIONS: Call Denny Fisher at 505-4948
MEETING TIME: 8:30AM at Orchard Creek Fitness Center Parking Lot, near blue mail box. Leave at 8:45AM
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