Click here to see the Chapter's outings on the MLC Meetup page.
WINTER 2022-23
DECEMBER - JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS
- COVID/HEALTH Protocols -
Pre-Outing For the health and safety of others, if you are experiencing COVID symptoms or you are sick, do not participate in any Sierra Club outing; if you do attempt to attend an outing, the outing's leader may prohibit you from taking part in the outing.
Post-Outing You are responsible for contacting the outing leader to report a positive COVID test and/or a diagnosis of any other transmittable disease/illness.
- Notices -
Anyone desiring to attend a Sierra Club outing must complete the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form before they may take part in the outing. The form, including the text of the waiver, may be previewed by clicking here
CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
DECEMBER OUTINGS
= Has an Educational or Conservation Message
December 3, Saturday
Day Hike (2A). Nimbus Fish Hatchery to Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park (Sacramento Group)
An easy morning hike with points of interest at both ends and peaceful lake views in-between. From the Hatchery, we’ll follow the trail along the shadier south shore of Lake Natoma to the historic district of Folsom, where we’ll have lunch at the picnic tables at the old Powerhouse. ~7 miles, flat, with a Light Rail shuttle. Bring lunch and liquids. Trails sometimes exposed; sunscreen is advised. Well-behaved owners (leader’s rules) with dogs on leash and under control at all times (park rules) are OK. Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
December 10, Saturday
Day Hike (1A). Fair Oaks Bluff to American River (Sacramento Group)
This close-by hike provides a moderate workout and great views of Lake Natoma from the bluffs on the north side of the lake. I will discuss the historical significance of the topography. Approximately 5 miles and 250’ elevation gain. Well-behaved owners (leader’s rules) with dogs on leash and under control at all times (park rules) are OK. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. More than a light rain cancels. Optional lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
December 13, Tuesday
Day Hike (2B). Hidden Falls Regional Park (Sacramento Group)
On this hike we’ll explore the oak woodlands and waterfalls at Hidden Falls Regional Park, near Auburn. Hike stats: ~8 miles (round trip), elevation gain/loss 1,000', starting elevation 1,000’. Hikers must be in good condition. Bring the essentials, including water, lunch, sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for changeable weather conditions and $$ for carpool drivers. No minors. No dogs. Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
December 15, Thursday
Day Hike (2A). Murphy’s Gate to American River (Sacramento Group)
A beautiful hike from Murphy's Gate in Auburn to the American River. It is a 7-mile hike with 700’ elevation change. Bring lunch and liquids. We will spend an hour having lunch along the river. Trails exposed; sunscreen is advised. No dogs without leader permission and only people willing to follow the leader. Rain cancels. Leader hikes at a slow to moderate pace. I will be asking for masks in my car. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leaders: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com; and, Jack Tolomei.
December 17, Saturday
Day Hike (2C). Tennessee Valley to Muir Beach (Sacramento Group)
This is a beautiful but rugged hike through Marin's coastal scrub. We will hike over the hill to Muir Beach for lunch on the beach (or, for those who wish, dine at the Pelican Inn). About 9 total miles & 2,500' elev. gain. Restrooms located at trailhead and Muir Beach. Bring essentials, including layers for changeable weather, and $$ for your driver and optional dinner afterward. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. No dogs (park rule). Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leaders: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com; and, Stan Jones.
JANUARY OUTINGS
= Has an Educational or Conservation Message
January 8, Sunday
Day Hike (1A). Rush Creek Open Space (Sacramento Group)
Located in the town of Novato, this is a nice hike in an area that takes us around a marsh and then around or over a small hill with a nice panorama of the Petaluma River's marshes. ~6 total miles & 300' elev. gain. No restrooms or water available. Bring the essentials and $$ for your driver. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. Well-behaved owners (leader’s rules) with dogs on leash and under control at all times (park rules) are OK. Rain cancels. Leisurely paced. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
January 14, Saturday
Day Hike (2A). Fairy Falls Trail to Beale/Shingle Falls (Placer Group)
This is a hike of “moderate distance” suitable for those new to hiking who want to try a longer distance on a relatively easy trail. The pace of the hike will be on the slower side of moderate. Hike stats: ~5.3 miles, elevation gain 500’. The Spenceville Wildlife Area features varied terrain, including meadows, trees, rocks and a 100’ waterfall. Wildlife sightings are possible. The trail is exposed with minimal shade, so sunscreen is recommended. NOTE: The drive to the trailhead includes approximately 5 miles on unpaved road that may be rough and/or rutted; slow, careful driving may be required. There are no restrooms in the Spenceville Wildlife Area. Well-behaved dogs on leash and under control at all times are OK. More than a light rain cancels. Bring the essentials, including water, snack and layers for changeable weather/temperatures. Each participant must provide the leader a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Trish Kness for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com; and, Leader Trainee: Trish Kness tjkness@gmail.com.
January 21, Saturday
Day Hike (1A). Rush Ranch (Sacramento Group)
We’ll take in a green pastoral scene with panoramic views for half of our 5-mile, gently-paced hike. We may be hiking amongst cattle. Then, for a change of scenery, we’ll walk thru Suisun Marsh, a thriving tidal wetland alongside Suisun Slough. Not much elevation change. NOTE: There is virtually no shade on these trails; sunscreen is advised. No dogs (park rule). Rain cancels. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
January 28, Saturday
Day Hike (1B). Lynch Canyon Open Space Park (Sacramento Group)
Mostly green pastures on this 7 mile, gently-paced hike, with panoramic views from its hilltops and ridge lines. Elevation climbs from 300’ to over 800’, and the ups and downs of the ridge trails push the total amount of climbing to around 1,000’. Trails sometimes exposed; sunscreen is advised. We may be hiking amongst cattle. No dogs (park rule). Rain cancels. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
FEBRUARY OUTINGS
= Has an Educational or Conservation Message
February 4, Saturday
Day Hike (3C). Point Reyes National Seashore (Sacramento Group)
Starting at the Palomarin trailhead, we'll trek up and down along the Coast Trail until we reach Bass Lake for our lunch stop. From Bass Lake we will continue on to the Wildcat Campground for some time to relax on the beach. If some are interested and the tide is right, we can walk back along the beach for a view of Alamere Falls, where, if the conditions are right, we'll be treated to Alamere Creek cascading over the bluff to the beach below. If not, we will still have a great view of the ocean! About 11 total miles & 2,200' elev. gain. Trails exposed; sunscreen is advised. No dogs. Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
February 11, Saturday
Day Hike (2A). Tilden Regional Park (Sacramento Group)
Located in the hills west of Berkeley, this hike follows a ridge trail to Vollmer and Wildcat Peaks. There are sweeping panoramic views of the Bay to the north and west; Briones and San Pablo Reservoirs to the east; and, Mt. Diablo and the valley below to the south. There will be lunch at a favorite hilltop with a great view. Towards the end, we’ll drop down to the Visitors Center. About 7 miles, mostly flat or downhill, with a car shuttle. Bring a spare layer in case the ridge is breezy. Bring lunch and liquids. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. Well-behaved owners (leader’s rules) with dogs on leash and under control at all times (park rules) are OK. Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
February 18, Saturday
Day Hike (2A). Fairy Falls Trail to Beale/Shingle Falls (Placer Group)
This is a hike of “moderate distance” suitable for those new to hiking who want to try a longer distance on a relatively easy trail. The pace of the hike will be on the slower side of moderate. Hike stats: ~5.3 miles, elevation gain 500’. The Spenceville Wildlife Area features varied terrain, including meadows, trees, rocks and a 100’ waterfall. Wildlife sightings are possible. The trail is exposed with minimal shade, so sunscreen is recommended. NOTE: The drive to the trailhead includes approximately 5 miles on unpaved road that may be rough and/or rutted; slow, careful driving may be required. There are no restrooms in the Spenceville Wildlife Area. Well-behaved dogs on leash and under control at all times are OK. More than a light rain cancels. Bring the essentials, including water, snack and layers for changeable weather/temperatures. Each participant must provide the leader a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Trish Kness for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com; and, Leader Trainee: Trish Kness tjkness@gmail.com.
February 20, Monday
(Presidents’ Day)
Day Hike (1A). East Bay Wetlands Hike (Sacramento Group)
Where the Napa River spreads into managed wetlands, shorebirds thrive. We’ll walk ~2.5 miles from one end of the wheelchair-friendly trail to the other end; take a lunch break; turn around;, and go back. No shade on this walk; sunscreen advised. No dogs please. Rain cancels. Leisurely pace. Both ends of the trail have vehicle access and hikers who wish to avoid the return walk may be able to work something out with carpool drivers. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
February 25, Saturday
Day Hike (2A). Mt. Tamalpais East Peak (Sacramento Group)
Loop hike from Mountain Theater to the East Peak, 9 miles, 700’ gain, enjoy outstanding panoramic views and well-maintained trails. The pace will be just a bit on the slow side of moderate. Bring lunch and liquids. Trails exposed to afternoon sun; sunscreen is advised. Rain cancels. No dogs (park rule). See photos and reviews of this hike at http://tinyurl.com/kmnqjrh. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the Trailhead. Contact Martin Farber for reservations. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
MARCH OUTINGS
= Has an Educational or Conservation Message
March 12, Sunday
Day Hike (1A). Laguna Creek (Sacramento Group)
A 5-mile loop at the south end of town. An engineered urban greenway, featuring a rich riparian environment with vernal pools along its overbanks, and other interesting features. Bring lunch and liquids. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. Dogs OK. Rain cancels. Leisurely pace. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the Trailhead. Participants are NOT required to bring their Sierra Club Medical Form for this “frontcountry” hike. The outing is limited to 30 adults, including leaders. Contact Martin Farber for reservations at 808.283.8988 or by email kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
March 16, Thursday
Day Hike (1A). Lagoon Valley (Seniors Section)
Walk about 4.5 miles around this spring-fed lake west of Vacaville. Enjoy the variety of birds in this Regional Park. Mostly paved or smooth-surfaced trail. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, dress in layers, bring water, lunch, and hiking poles if you use them. Limited to 10 hikers. Signature on liability waiver and photo release required. Rain or dense fog advisory cancels. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Davis at the south entrance of the Market Place Shopping Center, 1411 West Covell Blvd, by the Market Place cube. Leader: Sue Barnette 530.753.5855 or sbarnett@dcn.davis.ca.us.
March 18, Saturday
Day Hike (2B). Mount Burdell - Novato (Sacramento Group)
In the hills overlooking Rush Creek Preserve, we’ll hike along a cool, shady forest trail to Mount Burdell, which is about 5 miles along a very steady, gentle upgrade of 1,500' elevation gain, to the summit. Then we’ll descend 3 miles along a moderate downgrade through the rolling grasslands and meadows of Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve. 8 miles total, with a short car shuttle. There will be lunch on a mountaintop with a great view. Bring lunch and liquids. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. No dogs (park rule). Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of Moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). The outing is limited to 30 adults, including leaders. Contact Martin Farber for reservations at 808.283.8988 or by email kowsoitwo@gmail.com.
March 25, Saturday
Day Hike (2B). Briones Crest Trail Loop (Sacramento Group)
Total of 8½ miles and 1,400' elevation gain. Bring lunch and liquids. Trails mostly exposed; sunscreen is advised. Dogs OK ($2 park fee). Rain cancels. Leader keeps a pace a bit on the slow side of Moderate. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must provide the leader with a completed confidential Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp). The outing is limited to 30 adults, including leaders. Contact Martin Farber for reservations at 808.283.8988 or by email kowsoitwo@gmail.com.