Nimbus Fish Hatchery to Fair Oaks Village for Lunch

Thursday, June 3, 2021

DIFFICULTY:  Easy/Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN:  +200 feet of Elevation Gain.  About 65% of the hike’s elevation gain is in the middle section of the hike.  This is the segment from the American River into the Village and back down to the river.  It is easily walkable, but you should consider it if you have concerns about long stretches of uphill.  We will take it at the pace of the group, but it is a change of terrain from the rest of the hike.   The portion of the hike along American River Parkway Trail which is about 2.7 miles each way is mostly flat with some short ups and downs.  The portion of the hike starting up over the Fair Oaks Bridge and into the Fair Oaks Village on Bridge Street is about 8/10s of a mile each way with about +125 feet of elevation gain.

HIKE DISTANCE:  7 miles / +200 feet of Elevation Gain

GENERAL LOCATION: Nimbus Fish Hatchery/Lake Natoma/Old Town Fair Oaks

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
We will begin and end our hike at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery (2001 Nimbus Rd, Gold River, CA 95670) parking lot.  This is an out and back hike.  The hike will be along the American River Parkway Trail.  It is a 10 foot wide paved bike trail with shoulders for hiking.  Once past the hatchery the trail parallels the American River.  Views of the river show from time to time while walking through oak woodlands.  It is a beautiful trail and bird life is commonly seen.  When we get to the Fair Oaks Pedestrian Bridge over the American River, we will proceed up Bridge Street to the Village of Fair Oaks.  The Bridge Street section of the hike  is about 8/10s of mile up to the Village with about +125 feet of elevation gain.

We will stop for lunch in the Village at the Village Park.  We will spend about an hour and fifteen minutes for lunch.  Those that wish can purchase lunch at one of the several restaurants and delis in the Village such as the Fair Oaks Brew Pub, Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli or Shangril-la Fair Oaks.  If you do not wish to purchase lunch, you are welcome to bring your own lunch and enjoy it in the Village Park at one of its picnic tables.  You might have a few minutes to tour the Village while the others are finishing their purchased lunches.  We will meet back up in the Village Park at about 12:30 to 1 pm to return to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and our cars.

The hike will return back along the same paved trail we started on.  Remember the Bridge Street section of the hike from the Village back down to the American River is about 8/10s of mile with about +125 feet of elevation drop.   Depending on the condition of the adjacent horse trail, some may wish to return by walking along sections of the slightly longer horse trail where more river views may be found.

It is estimated that we will arrive back at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery between 2:15 and 2:45 pm.   After the hike is over, you have the option to visit the hatchery fish ponds and the visitors center.  If you car pool, make sure you arrange this with the other riders in your group before you leave for the hike.  If you do not visit the hatchery, it is estimated that we will arrive back in Lincoln Hills between 3:00 and 3:30pm.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  The drive is about 45 minutes and is around 20 miles.  Suggested Donation to the driver is $6.

HIKE LEADER:  Jim Fisher           SWEEP: Denny Fisher

FACILITIES:  There are toilets at the fish hatchery at the start of the hike and at the Fair Oaks walking bridge near the mid-point of the hike.

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 water, appropriate shoes, gloves, warm and layered clothing as appropriate for expected weather conditions. Trekking poles are not necessary for this hike.

RISKS: Cold weather and wind, even a light breeze, can make the hike uncomfortable --- so be prepared!

5)  Bring snack or lunch or money if you plan on having lunch in the Fair Oaks Village.  It is estimated that we will be finishing the hike between 2:15 and 2:45pm at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.  We will stop in the Fair Oaks Village which to midway through the hike to eat.

WEATHER:  RAIN ON THE DAY OF THE HIKE CANCELS HIKE. Rain on the day preceding the hike will not cause cancellation.

QUESTIONS:  Call Denny - - 916-505-4948

MEETING TIME:  8:15 AM in Orchard Creek Parking Lot in the far corner near the Orchard Creek Fitness Center.  Leave at 8:30 AM.