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Thunder Mountain
Thursday, August
30, 2012
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
– due to the elevation gain. But this hike is relatively short for a strenuous
hike (3.7 miles one way). Also the grade is not a major challenge except for a
couple short stretches. Since this hike consists of reaching the highest point
of Amador County on the summit of Thunder Mountain, hikers should anticipate a slow,
steady but gradual climb over a 3.7 mile ascent. We will take our time during
this ascent with frequent water breaks. The scenery will knock your socks off,
so you owe it to yourself to give this hike a try. If you don’t make the summit,
you can rejoin the group on the rebound. Note, and his is important, hikers will
be rewarded with a steady downhill trek to return to the parking lot trailhead.
As they say, what goes up must come down.
ELEVATION
GAIN: The summit is exactly 1428 feet
higher than the trail head. However there are a couple short saddles where
another couple 200 feet of elevation gain will be encountered. You may not
notice this gain while enjoying the spectacular
scenery.
HIKE
DISTANCE: Approximately 7.4 miles total -
out and back.
RISKS: There are
3 identifiable risks:
1) The trailhead is at 7980 feet,
and the summit at 9408 feet. This hike takes place as HIGH ALTITUDE compared to
many of the 6000 ft altitude hikes we do in the Donner
Pass area.
2) There are places on the single
track trail with some drop offs. You shouldn’t have any difficulty unless you
have an acute case of vertigo. Just plan to bring your normal good
balance.
3) The trail guide indicates that
unexploded military shells and other explosives used for snow avalanche control
may be found along this trail. I am happy to report that the hike leader and his
daughter did NOT blow themselves up on the prehike nor did the hiking group when
initially hiked this trail in 2010..
GENERAL
LOCATION: Highway 88 just prior to the
Kirkwood Ski Resort and Carson Pass. The trailhead is located just beyond
Silver
Lake.
DESCRIPTION: The
rewards will be well worth the effort of the ascent to the summit, with
incredible views in all directions greeting you at the peak of Thunder Mountain. You will see the
mountains of northern Yosemite in the south to
the peaks of Desolation Wilderness in the north. You will look down on the
nearby landmarks of Silver and Caples Lakes.
The trail starts in the woods,
climbs steadily along an excellent trail and then breaks out into a meadow. The
trail continues, re-enters the trees for a while, switches back, then reaches
the main ridge. Huge rock plugs from past volcanism dominate the ridge, with
some plugs looming 100 feet up. We will pass the two Sentinels. Very stunning
and unique! The dark volcanic rock, punctuated with clefts, gashes, pinnacles,
and arêtes, create a dramatic alpine scene. Did I mention it could knock your
socks off?
The trail levels a bit along the
ridge, then starts climbing again before finally coming back to the main ridge
where you look down into the Kirkwood Ski
Valley. The trail contours
past a false summit and stays on the main ridge before descending a bit to a
saddle. A final westward traverse through scattered lodge pole pines, western
white pines, mountain hemlocks, and white bark pines takes you to the crest and
then angles sharply to the east, following the ridge to the summit of
Thunder Mountain and a welcome lunch break overlooking
Silver
Lake.
LUNCH: Bring your
lunch. The lunch break is planned for mid hike when we reach the
summit.
TRAVEL TIME /
DISTANCE / PARKING: Travel time is approximately 2
hours and 95 miles from Lincoln. Suggested contribution for riders is
$15. Print out the driving directions if you plan to drive. Parking is at the
trailhead at Thunder Mountain, just beyond Silver Lake on Route 88. It is well marked on
Highway 88. THERE IS NO FEE FOR PARKING.
DINNER
PLANS: We will stop for dinner prior to
returning home to Lincoln. A possibility is Papa Gianni’s in
Cameron Park, our Italian favorite complements of Fred Crofut, or the Chinese
restaurant at the same Cameron Park exit.
HIKE LEADER /
SWEEP: Dennis
Ratay / Margaret Ratay
SPECIAL
NOTES:
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE: A comfort station is available at
Caples
Lake, 2 miles further up
Route 88. We will stop in route at a Starbucks or McDonalds in Placerville..
PREPARATIONS FOR
HIKE: Sturdy hiking boots mandatory and
trekking poles very highly recommended. Also it could be a bit breezy and a bit
chilly up at the summit. A light windbreaker is recommended to make your lunch
more enjoyable. Bring lunch and plenty of water.
IF YOU HAVE ANY
HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE PREPARATION FOR
HIKING.
BRING THE
FOLLOWING: Bring a copy of your ID (driver's
license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you
on the hike.
ABOUT YOUR
FOOTWEAR: Always bring two 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.
RISKS: Altitude
and distance are factors to consider. If you have any problems with exertion at
high altitude, avoid this hike.
QUESTIONS: Call
Dennis Ratay at
543-9935.
MEETING
TIME: 7:30 am at Orchard Creek parking
lot -- We will leave at 7:45 am.
RAIN CANCELS
HIKE
Click for PREHIKE
PICTURES
Click for Driving
Directions
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