Middle Fork/Clementine Loop

Thursday, May 10, 2012

DIFFICULTY: An easy moderate hike

ELEVATION GAIN: An easy 550 foot elevation gain followed by an easy 700 foot elevation descent

HIKE DISTANCE: 7 miles --- A loop hike with lunch in Auburn afterwards

GENERAL LOCATION: Auburn State Recreation Area --- 3 1/2 miles from the city of Auburn

DESCRIPTION:  The trail starts at the confluence of the Middle and North Forks of the American River and then gently climbs the Middle Fork American River Trail for 2 miles.  We then climb some more to cross the Old Foresthill Road and the New Foresthill Road.  We will stop for a snack at the rarely used road leading to Clementine Lake. We will then descend on the road; passing Clementine Lake on the way.  There should be some wildflowers on the way.  And then on to a rocky trail back to the car.  The trail is mildly rocky in parts so wear boots.  The hike should finish before 1 PM so those who wish can have lunch in Auburn at the Sierra Grill.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Travel time is 35 minutes.  The distance is 15 miles.  Suggested donation to the driver is $3.  For those not having lunch in Auburn expect to return to Lincoln Hills by 1:30PM

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:   Ada Squires /TBA   Call Ada at 543-3499 if you have questions.

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: One port-a-potty at the trailhead.

     PREPARATION FOR HIKE:  
        1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
        2)  Bring a copy of your ID, health card info, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
        3)  Always bring a change of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy boots after the hike so you don’t get your driver's car dirty.
        4)  Bring snack, water, hiking boots or tennis shoes, layered clothing for the cold weather and trekking poles if you use them.

RISKS:  None.  Boots are necessary but trekking poles are optional.
 

RAIN CANCELS

 
MEETING TIME:  8:15 AM leave at 8:30 AM. 

Driving Directions:                        

East on Hwy 80.  Exit at Elm Street in Auburn

Turn left at the light, and then turn left again at the next light (High St)

Follow Hwy 49 signs down into the canyon.

At the bottom of the canyon DO NOT TURN RIGHT over the middle fork of the river but continue straight ahead.  You do not have a stop sign but some cars coming over the bridge do not acknowledge that you have the right-of-way so be careful.

Park on the left just before the bridge over the north fork of the river.