What we’re about
UPDATE (09/7/21): Outings have resumed, however some changes and additional participation requirements have been implemented because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Please be sure to check the outing listing carefully for instructions about what is required as a condition of participation. The Sierra Club's primary concern remains the safety of the participants on outings.
The Mother Lode Chapter of the Sierra Club is a long established environmentally-minded group offering a large variety of activities. Hiking, kayaking, skiing, biking, camping, potlucks, slideshows, service trips and other events are lead by Sierra Club trained leaders. All adults are welcome, including those who are not members of Sierra Club. We generally meet at a designated local parking area and then carpool to the event site which can be located nearby or several hours away. Most events take all day and are followed by an optional dinner at a restaurant on the drive back. Of course, all of this can vary depending on the event. Leader styles vary greatly. Some are very fast paced with few stops; others travel at a very slow pace and stop frequently. You are required to be properly equipped and able to stay with the group, so be sure to check with the leader if you have any questions about the outing.
Each participant on an outing is required to complete and sign a standard liability waiver. If you would like to read the liability waiver before an outing click on this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17DFIvEuXuRj56yWSRIY39VtHdUpB1WEO/view?usp=sharing
or contact the Outings Department at 415.977.5528 for a printed version.
For more outings and information see our full list of events at:
http://motherlode.sierraclub.org/outings.html
Happy trails!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Day Hike (2B): Dardanelles Lake (Sacramento Group)Folsom Boulevard & Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA
This is a moderate, 9-mile hike in the upper-Truckee River basin. This lake is suitable for swimming, though the water temperature can be anywhere from cool to bone-chilling. The elevation gain is about 1,300’. Well-behaved owners (leader’s rules) with dogs on leash and under control at all times (park rules) are OK. Rain or high heat cancels. Leader keeps a slow pace with frequent stops. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must bring a 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. Leaders: Martin Farber, kowsoitwo@gmail.com, (808) 283-8988, and Tracy Miller.
- Day Hike (1A) Donner Tunnels (Placer Group)1821 Taylor Rd, Roseville, CA
Join the Sierra Club Placer Group on Sunday, August 17, 2025, for a day hike through the Donner Tunnels. We'll be hiking along a popular trail through several abandoned train tunnels, decorated with colorful graffiti and stunning views between. This hike is approximately 6 miles out and back and is suitable for those new to hiking and experienced hikers who love to explore new places. The pace of the hike will be on the slower side of moderate, allowing time to take in the many interesting sites along the way. The dirt trail is mostly flat, but features varied terrain, including gravel and rocks, and likely puddles and mud in the tunnels. Flashlights are essential for safety in the tunnels and to take in the amazing artwork. Wildlife sightings are possible. The trail has some exposure with limited shade in spots, so sunscreen is recommended, along with insect repellent for ticks and other critters. Well-behaved dogs on leash and under control at all times are OK. Rest breaks will be taken as needed. We estimate it will take 2.5 to 3 hours at an easy pace. [Optional lunch at the Donner Ski Ranch restaurant following the hike.] More than a light rain cancels. Hike stats: approximately 6 miles, elevation gain 351, with a base elevation around 7,000.
Bring: Sturdy boots or hiking shoes are recommended. Bring the essentials, including flashlight, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers for changeable temperatures. Please bring cash if you wish to join a carpool. (Note: Recommended carpool reimbursement rate is up to $7.00 per hour per carpool participant, or whatever you and your driver agree to.)
Sierra Club Medical/Waiver Forms: Fill out and bring this emergency medical form: [https://tinyurl.com/ycy985mt](https://tinyurl.com/ycy985mt). Leader will check to make sure you have a completed form, then you'll carry it with you in your pack. Each participant will also be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead or meetup location.
The hike is limited to 30 participants. Leaders: Aileen Allison-Zarea and Trish Kness. If needed. email us at:[placeroutingsleads@gmail.com]
Carpooling - Meet at 7:15 AM at Taylor Road Park-n-Ride (adjacent to Golfland-Sunsplash). Vehicles will depart by 7:30 a.m.
Trailhead: For those meeting at trailhead, meet at approximately 9:15 AM. Hike to start around 9:30 am.Link to Hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/donner-tunnelsNotes: Free parking is available in a large dirt parking lot at the trailhead, accessed via a very short, but rough dirt road off of Sugar Bowl Road (see directions in AllTrails - signs that point to Alpineer Ski Club and Oakland Ski Club mark the dirt road to the parking area). Four-wheel drive is not required, but drivers with low clearance vehicles may opt to park at the Donner Ski Ranch restaurant lot across the street instead.
Signup Restrictions: If you are feeling sick or have been exposed to someone who has recently (within the past 5 days) been sick from or tested positive for COVID-19, please do not join this trip.
Also, please do not sign up for this outing if you: (1) are not committed to attending as space is limited, or (2) have disabled your Meet-Up email, in whole or in part. (We need to be able to communicate with RSVPs collectively and individually.) If your Meet-Up settings do not allow us to use the Meet-Up email system as indicated, your RSVP will not be accepted. - Let's do a American River Hike from Sunrise Bridge to Nimbus Flat ParkUpper Sunrise Boat Ramp, Fair Oaks, CA
Co-listed with Sierra Club Military Outdoors. Veterans are especially welcome. Open to everyone, especially new or prospective club members.
This outing is an opportunity to learn about the activities and conservation efforts of the Sierra Club. A leisurely morning hike with points of interest at both ends and peaceful river and lake views. From the Sunrise Recreation Area (Upper Sunrise Boat Ramp parking lot, east side of the Old Fair Oaks Bridge), we’ll follow the recreation trail along the shadier south shore of the American River to the Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area, where we’ll have brunch at the picnic tables next to Natomas Lake. This route is approximately a 7-mile round trip, primarily flat. Bring lunch and liquids. Apply sunscreen as trails are sometimes exposed. No pets. Rain cancels. Heat over 90° cancels. The leader keeps a pace on the slow side of moderate. Each participant must sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead. There is a $6 parking fee. The leader is Shawn Britton at 408.242.5092 or smbritton@comcast.net.
