SALT CREEK LOOP HIKE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate
ELEVATION CHANGE: +/- 970 feet. Starting and ending elevation
--- 1500 feet. Lowest elevation --- approx. 500 feet
HIKE DISTANCE:
7.5 miles --- loop hike
GENERAL LOCATION: In the town of Cool ---- in
the Olmstead Hiking Area
DESCRIPTION: This hike offers a wide mix of
scenery --- open meadows (brown this time of year!), foothill woodlands (lots of
oak trees), a canyon environment (follows Knickerbocker Creek), and the
American River (lunch destination!). The initial 1.3 miles is on the gravel
paved road built to access the top of the keyway for the proposed Auburn Dam
project (which is now defunct). Then the trail becomes dirt and goes downhill
through a shady canyon. At about 3.5 miles (and some STEEP downhill sections)
we will reach the edge of the American River ---- and views of the dam
construction area, the Placer County Water District pumping station, the man
made rapids for kayakers, and the peaceful American River. We will sit on large
rocks to enjoy lunch and all the great views!! The return trip after lunch is
uphill via a series of switchbacks that cut across the terraces carved into the
hillside during the dam construction and is one mile in length and a 600 foot
elevation gain --- so be prepared for a STRENUOUS climb after lunch!! The
remainder 3 miles is less strenuous and a combination of paved road and dirt
trails.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Approximately 20 miles one way and 35
minutes driving time. 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. Also, a $10 per car parking
fee is required as the Olmstead area is part of the Auburn State Recreation
Area. If you have a State Park pass, please consider sharing it with your
driver. The $10 fee should be shared with the driver and riders in each
car.
HIKE LEADER: Sue Geisler SWEEP: TBD
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES: Two portable bathrooms at the trailhead.
PREPARATION
FOR HIKE:
1) BRING A COPY OF YOUR ID (DRIVER'S LICENSE), HEALTH CARD,
AND AN EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER WITH YOU WHEN YOU HIKE.
2) If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before
hiking.
3) Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to
store your dusty/muddy boots after the hike.
4) Bring lunch, water, and
hiking boots. Trekking poles are recommended, but not required. Poles are
helpful for going down the steep sections and an aid in going
uphill!!
RISKS: There might be ticks, but none were seen on the
prehike. Be aware that there are steep downhill sections to the American River
--- and one particularly steep uphill section on the return trip after lunch.
In the canyon section it can be quite chilly, even though the day could be warm,
so dress in layers.
RAIN CANCELS THE HIKE --- BE SURE TO CHECK THE
HIKING WEBSITE THE MORNING OF THE HIKE TO DETERMINE THE STATUS OF THE
HIKE.
QUESTIONS: Call Sue Geisler at (916) 408-1010.
MEETING
TIME: 8:45 AM. LEAVING TIME: 9:00 AM
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
SOME PREHIKE PHOTOS
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