NORTH TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE
TUESDAY,  APRIL 3, 2012

ADDENDUM TO TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE ---

On a second prehike of Table Mountain (March 11th), a new loop trail was uncovered --- with scenery we considered quite beautiful and striking!

New information ---

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous --- due to the following risks.

Loop hike of 6 miles. Approximately half of the mileage is off trail, or cross country, and the ground is very rocky (sharp volcanic rocks scattered everywhere, and some in patches). Hiking requires caution so as not to turn an ankle!

To reach the bottom of a waterfall we will traverse a very narrow steep trail (with a sharp drop off), so if a hiker has vertigo, this hike is not recommended.
 
There are several streams to cross, so trekking poles are recommended --- and poles are also very helpful for cross country hiking and traversing the steep trail.

If you need more information, or have any questions, call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.



DIFFICULTY:  Moderate (due to difficulty of hiking on sections of rocky terrain)

ELEVATION:  1361 feet at start;  highest elevation, approx. 1200 feet

HIKE DISTANCE:  Approx. 5 miles

GENERAL LOCATION:  Near the town of Oroville

DESCRIPTION:  This area is one of the premier wildflower areas in California --- a show not to be missed!!  Even if you are not into wildflowers, you will be impressed at the glorious display of color!  Timing, of course, is everything with wildflowers --- but hopefully we will see patches, carpets, and cascades of many colors and species.  Bring your camera!  We will stop often for you to take pictures.  There are some wonderful waterfalls also --- to capture on film!  Hiking can be somewhat challenging due to the vernal pools, streams, and volcanic rocks --- so it is best to wear good waterproof boots.  See attached photos.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  1 hour and 40 minutes driving time and 72 miles one way.  Return time to Lincoln --- approximately 4:00 pm.

A donation of $12 is suggested for riders.  Driving directions ---- see below and print before coming to the hike, if driving.

HIKE LEADER:  Sue Geisler   SWEEP:  Penny Williams

SPECIAL NOTES:

    FACITILIES:  Portable bathrooms at trailhead.
   
    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),  a wind breaker, and trekking poles (or sticks) for crossing streams.

    RISKS:  Areas of wet, muddy ground, sharp volcanic rocks.  Cows in the field, but they are not a problem. 

QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

MEETING TIME:  7:45 am  LEAVING TIME:  8:00 am

Photos from pre-hike

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:  Note:  These directions differ from the description posted in 2008.  Reason for the change --- I consider Cherokee Road (from Table Mountain Blvd.) to be very dangerous --- and prefer a safe route.  

From Lincoln, travel north on Hwy. 65 toward Marysville.

Before Marysville Hwy. 65 merges with Hwy. 70.  Travel on Hwy. 70 as it goes through Marysville.  Turn right on 9th Street, then left on B Street which is a continuation of Hwy. 70.  You will be heading north to Oroville (which is approx. 25 miles from Marysville.)

Continue driving north on Hwy. 70 (passing Oroville). You will come to a highway split --- #149 heading to Chico, but stay to the RIGHT on Hwy. 70 and continue for 6 1/2 miles (do not take the left Hwy. 191 to Paradise!),  and then turn right onto Cherokee Road.  This section of Cherokee Road is safer than the southern section!  Drive Cherokee Road for about 5 miles until you see (on your right) a large gravel parking lot with a big oak tree in the background.