LOAFER CREEK LOOP

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010

DIFFICULTY:  Easy.

ELEVATION:  Highest elevation -- approx. 1250 feet.  Lowest elevation -- approx. 1000 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE:  Approximately 6 miles.

GENERAL LOCATION:   At the south end of Lake Oroville, in the Loafer Creek Campground area

DESCRIPTION:  A loop hike, beginning at the Bidwell Bar Canyon Saddle Dam, the trail heads into a wooded area, then climbs about 250 feet in the first mile through Manzanita and Oak trees.  We pick up the Roy Rogers trail and continue past a water tower to the Brooks Orchard picnic area near the far end of the loop. The trail continues to an open day use area, again a picnic area, and a restroom.  Then, the trail just “roller coasters” through more wooded area, with some partial views of the valley the lake is supposed to fill, to a horse camp, then back down to the dam.  The total elevation gain is supposed to be 500 feet according to the Chico Hiking Association maps that I used to find this trail.  The trail has some loose rocks, and (at the pre-hike) a little mud, but is really a very easy trail.

TRAVEL TIME: Travel time is 1 hour, 15 minutes, about 60 miles.  Recommended payment to the driver is $ 9.   We should be back at Lincoln Hills before 3:00 PM.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Get on 65 North (towards Marysville) to CA 70.  Remember that through Marysville, 70 turns right, then left about 1 block later.  Continue on 70 towards Oroville to exit 46, then right, on Highway 162.  There is a McDonald’s at this exit (on the right) that could be our rest stop.  Continue on 162 for about 7 miles to Kelly Ridge Road.  Take a left on Kelly Ridge to the second parking area on the right (less than a half mile).  You will pass a small brown “recreation area parking” sign just before the second lot.

 HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Dick Mayeur / TBA 

SPECIAL NOTES:

    FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  There is a pit toilet in the parking area, a porta-potty at the Brooks Orchard Picnic area, and toilets at the day use area.

    PREPARATION FOR HIKE:   Comfortable athletic shoes, water, and lunch.  

    RISKS:  None known.

QUESTIONS:  Call Dick Mayeur at 408-4022.

 
MEETING TIME:  8:30 AM; LEAVING TIME: 8:45 AM.