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 (1A): Azalea and Flora Lake (Sacramento Group)1821 Taylor Rd, Roseville, CA
This hike starts out on a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Donner Summit Area, then goes up to Azalea Lake, and then to Flora Lake. 5 miles round trip, with 300’ elevation gain along a lovely trail. Mixed shade and sun. Overlooks of Donner Lake, where the historic Donner Party camped. It has some great views and is a favorite summer hike. Plan on an hour for lunch at Flora Lake. Bring lunch, water and rain gear in case of showers. Well-behaved dogs welcome, but must be on a leash (park rule). Rain cancels. Leisurely pace. Gear list and other information will be provided after approval. Each participant must complete and possess a completed Sierra Club Medical Form (please see https://tinyurl.com/2p8dtefp) at all times during the outing. Each participant will be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the Trailhead. Leader: Martin Farber 808.283.8988 or **kowsoitwo@gmail.com **and Jack Tolomei.
- Day Hike Tahoe National Forest - Sagehen Creek Loop (1A)1821 Taylor Rd, Roseville, CA
This 5.2 mile hike is generally considered fairly easy, with a total elevation gain of 223 feet. The pace of the hike will be on the slower side of moderate. The beginning and end of the hike is forested with quite a bit of shade. Be advised that there are a number of downed trees along the trail that we’ll need to climb over. The middle portion of the hike will be through open meadows/sagebrush flats (with minimal shade). Hopefully Mules Ears and Balsam Root will be in bloom and we’ll see lots of yellow wildflowers. We’ll stop for a snack at the edge of Stampede Reservoir (the halfway point). We estimate it will take 2.5 - 3 hours at an easy pace.
Well-behaved dogs on leash and under control at all times are OK.Bring: Sturdy Boots or hiking shoes are recommended as well as a pair of water shoes for creek crossing. Bring the essentials, including plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Also $$ for 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. 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: Kathy Verrue-Slater, Aileen Allison-Zarea, and Trish Kness. If needed. email us at:[placeroutingsleads@gmail.com]Carpooling - Meet at 7:00AM at Taylor Road Park-n-Ride (adjacent to Golfland-Sunsplash). Vehicles will depart by 7:15 a.m.
Trailhead: For those meeting at trailhead, meet at the Sagehen Parking lot off Highway 89 north of Truckee approximately 8;50 AM. Hike to start around 9 am.Link to Hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sagehen-creek-loop--2Signup 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.
- Day Hike (2B), Wrights Lake to Maud LakeNeeds location
This hike goes from Wrights Lake to Maud Lake on the west slope of the Desolation Wilderness. Maud Lake, where we will have lunch, is a stunning lake tucked beneath a large granite outcropping. Hike stats: 9 miles (round trip), elevation gain 1200’, starting elevation 6,900’. I haven’t had a chance to check out the trail conditions yet, but wanted folks to get it on the calendar. If, after scouting it, there is some issue with the location, I may need to change to another comparable hike. This decision will be made no later than July 1. This time of year, there is usually a significant water crossing and lots of mosquitos. Poles would help with the water crossing and repellant would help with the mosquitos. The pace will be moderate with breaks, and the trail is rocky with elevation gain. Hikers must be in good condition. No minors or dogs. Forecast of rain or snow cancels. Leader: Michelle Kerr
Wilderness regulations limit the group to 12 people. Do not sign up for this hike unless you know you can go. If you need to cancel, give plenty of lead time to allow others to take the spot. You don’t want to experience bad hiking kharma!
Bring: The essentials, including sturdy boots/shoes, plenty of water, snacks, lunch, layered clothing due to changeable weather conditions, sun protection, and $$ for carpool.
Sierra Club Medical/Waiver Forms: Fill out and bring this emergency medical form:https://tinyurl.com/ycy985mt. Leader will check to make sure you've completed the form, then you'll carry it with you in your pack. Each participant will also be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In and Waiver form at the trailhead.
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.
Note: We need to be able to communicate with RSVP’s collectively and individually. If your Meet-Up settings do not allow me to use the Meet-Up email system as indicated, your RSVP will not be accepted.
Meeting Location/Carpools: We will meet in the Sacramento area and carpool to the trailhead. Leader will email meeting place info to RSVP’s a day or 2 before hike. Sierra Club will not assume responsibility for any carpool transportation risks. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.
