LAKE NATOMA TRAIL

FOLSOM, CA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018

NOTICE:  The trail on the north side of Lake Natoma has been temporarily closed so it was necessary to change the route of the originally planned hike.  We will hike out and back from the town of Folsom on the trail on the south side of Lake Natoma.  The hike distances will be less, but there will still be two optional distances.  All participants will start in downtown Folsom, CA and hike to Lake Natoma Aquatic Center for a lunch stop.  At that point, participants will have an option to return to Folsom either via light rail from the Hazel Avenue station or by returning on foot via the trail.  If you return via light rail, the hiking distance is about 6 miles.  If you choose to return to Folsom on the trail, the hiking distance is about 10 miles.   Prior to choosing which car to ride in, you must decide on the 6 or 10 mile route.

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 500 feet depending on whether you hike the 7 to 8 mile route or the 11 to 12 mile route.

HIKE DISTANCE: There are two optional distances for this hike. 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 first option is about 7 to 8 miles. The second option is about 11 to 12 miles.  All participants will start in downtown Folsom, CA and hike about 2/3rds of the way around Lake Natoma for a lunch stop.  At that point, participants will have an option to return to Folsom via light rail from the Hazel Avenue station.  If you are interested in circumnavigating the lake, participants will also have the option to continue walking to Folsom. 

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.  Participants will have  two options for how to return to Folsom.  We will hike about 2/3rds of the way around the lake to the Lake Natoma Aquatic Center for lunch.  Some participants will have the option to return to Folsom via light rail from the Hazel Avenue station.  Others may choose to take the entire loop and return to Folsom on foot .  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:  We will drive from Lincoln to downtown Folsom which is about 30 to 35 minutes each way.  Some of the group will hike to the Hazel Avenue light rail station, take light rail back to downtown Folsom and then return to Lincoln.  Others will return to Folsom on the loop trail.  Hiking time for the first option of the hike to the Hazel Avenue light rail station is between 4 to 5 hours.  If you choose to return to Folsom via light rail, you should be back to Lincoln by about 3:30 to 4:00 pm.  If you choose to return to Folsom by continuing on the loop trail, you should probably add an additional hour or hour and a half to your expected return time to Lincoln.

The one-way distance to the downtown Folsom parking garage 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 (916) 505-4948.

Rain the day of the hike day will cancel hike.

MEETING TIME:  8:30AM in Orchard Creek Parking Lot in the far corner near the Orchard Creek Fitness Center .  Leave at 8:45AM