MALAKOFF DIGGINS STATE PARK LOOP
Tuesday, March 2, 2010

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous (Note:  There are some steep, slippery sections on the last third of the hike.)

ELEVATION GAIN: Highest elevation & starting point -- 3400 feet. Lowest elevation --- 2200 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE: Approximately 9 miles.  A complete loop would be 11 miles, but we will do a car shuttle, so that we can shorten the hike by 2 miles.

GENERAL LOCATION: About 45 minutes from Nevada City ---- in the Malakoff Diggins State Park.

DESCRIPTION: Malakoff Diggins State Park is one of my favorite places to hike --- so much to see ---- thick forests, wonderful Yuba River (which we will see from a bluff --- where we will eat lunch), enchanting Humbug Creek with its twists and turns and marvelous waterfalls, and a variety of vegetation (lots of moss!) along the Humbug Trail.  We will start at the uppermost part of the Missouri Bar Trail, hike down to a bluff near the Yuba River, and hike up the Humbug Trail.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes and approximately 75 miles.  Return time to Lincoln will be approximately 5:00 pm.   Suggested contribution for riders is $9.  State Park entrance fee is $8 per car.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Sue Geisler/TBD

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Bathroom at State Park headquarters
PREPARATION FOR HIKE: Refer to #8 Standard Hiking Equipment and #9 Guidelines for Hiking in the "Hike Information and Guidelines" 
handout.    Hiking boots with good tread are very necessary, layered
clothing and gloves (in case of cold weather!), and trekking poles
are recommended.  Also bring lunch and water.

RISKS: There is leafless poison oak along the trail (leader will point it out).  Parts of the Humbug Trail are slippery when wet and a couple of sections are narrow and rocky, hence care will be taken traversing those sections.
QUESTIONS: Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

HEAVY RAIN THE DAY BEFORE, OR RAIN THE DAY OF THE HIKE CANCELS THE HIKE!