AUBURN --- OVERLOOK PARK TO OREGON BAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013 DIFFICULTY:  Moderate ELEVATION GAIN:  800 feet elevation gain,  starting about 1250 ft. at the trailhead, and a low elevation of about 350 ft at the river HIKE DISTANCE:  7.5 miles --- in and out, not a loop GENERAL LOCATION:  In Auburn State Recreation Area DESCRIPTION:  Starting from the American River Overlook Park, we will hike to a close-up view of the original cut into the mountain of the now-defunct location of the Auburn Dam.  From there we hike all the way down to the American River, a place called Oregon Bar for lunch.  On the way we will see the amazing Knickerbocker Waterfall, a series of cascading falls that can only be seen on this particular trail.  This aerobic hike has a couple of steep downs and ups, but most ups and downs are enjoyable and offer a nice workout!  Best of all is sitting near the edge of the river at lunch and experiencing the river's mighty power!! TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  30 minutes driving time and 13 miles one way.  Return time to Lincoln --- approximately 3:00 pm.  A donation of $3 is suggested for riders.  Driving directions --- see below and please print before coming to the hike, if driving. HIKE LEADER:  Sue Geisler   SWEEP:  TBD SPECIAL NOTES:       FACILITIES:  Bathroom at Overlook Park and also a bathroom about halfway down to the river.      PREPARATION FOR HIKE:           1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.         2)  Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.         3)  Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your          dirty boots on the drive home.         4)  Bring lunch, water, hiking boots (not tennis shoes), warm and layered clothing for the cold weather, and trekking poles for traversing the icy spots.     RISKS:  A few places may be slippery if there is rain the day before  QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010 MEETING TIME:  8:45 AM      LEAVING TIME:  9:00 AM RAIN CANCELS HIKE DRIVING DIRECTIONS:  Take Sierra College Blvd. and turn left onto English Colony Way.  At Taylor Road, turn left and drive that road to Newcastle ---- turning right (just before the tunnel) onto Old State Highway, winding through the town of Newcastle and then crossing over the Hwy. 80 overpass.  At the stop light on Newcastle Road, turn left onto Indian Hill Road and drive until you reach the stop light at  Auburn Folsom Road.  Then turn left onto Auburn Folsom Road and move to the right land and continue until you reach Pacific Avenue (a few feet before the road is a sign "American River Overlook Park").  Turn right onto Pacific Avenue and drive until you reach Overlook Park.