Spring Wildflower 🌷🌺🌼 Hike to Democrat Dam

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Hikers... It has come to our attention that the area for our Wildflower 🌷🌺🌻🌸 Hike is under MANDATORY CLOSURE through the next few weeks due to the recent storms. The area has not been storm damaged itself, but it falls within the Sequoia National Forest area of closure, resulting in a $10,000 fine for hiking there. We want to honor the Forest Service and not push our luck or interfere in any way. We have decided to move the hike to Saturday April 15th, keeping in accordance with the Forest Service mandate. It's the best we can do. Thank you for understanding.

Come hike along the Kern River Trail (Flower Trail 🌷🌺🌼) to Democrat Dam. The hike is about 11 miles total to the Dam and back. It is moderate in difficulty, but subtable for new hikers.

We will hike to the Dam and have a long lunch break. Then return hike to the trailhead.

*****************************************

We will meet at the Starbucks on Hwy 178 and 184 at 0730 to arrange carpooling.

I'm bringing my hiking dog, Timber. Other dogs OK if leashed and kind to Timber. 🐕‍🦺

How to find us.

OPTION (A) (For carpooling)
meet at the Starbucks at 0730 then, the trailhead is at the Delonegha day use turn-out near the four-lane. We will meet at the large parking area just up from the bridge on the river side and cross the road to the trailhead. If too many cars then parking is available under the bridge at the Delonegha day use.

OPTION (B)
meet at the trailhead at 0820, located in the Kern River Canyon just past where the 2 lane turns into the 4 lane and crosses the river.

Coordinates for the Trailhead

N35.550482° W118.615342°

Use CAUTION while parking in the Canyon as there have been vehicle break-ins reported over the past few years. Don't leave anything visible or valuable in your car. Good luck.

Here are the tracks from a previous hike shared by a hiking buddy.

https://www.gaiagps.com/public/3OCMBgQ6oEUPSCaL5qcdNzqT/

This is a BIG group so here is what to look for.

-820ish arrive at the trailhead
-Safely cross the highway
-Climb the rail or fence
-Meet and WAIT at the trail sign
-Brief trail description and information update here
-Hike about 3miles to the hard right turn in the trail. DON'T GO RIGHT!
-I will have a designated Sweep hiker (last person).
-Wait at the hard right turn near here or under the big tree. DON'T GO RIGHT!!!
-From here the rest of the hike is NOT on the same trail, not even much of a trail. This is a good turn around spot if you can't make it all the way. Please turn around here after a break if you aren't feeling your best.
-From here we will stay closer together all the way to the Democrat Dam since the route is sometimes difficult to see. Don't lag.
-Lunch break at Democrat Dam.
-Lets all hike back together until we are back on the main trail.
-Now back to the cars.