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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- Backpacking - The BasicsLink visible for attendees
THIS IS OUR LAST PROGRAM UNTIL MARCH 2026.
Thinking about backpacking? Not sure where to start? Do you have questions? Then read on…
Join Jeff, and his co-host Anita, to learn all about the basics of backpacking. It’s time to get ready for your wilderness adventures this coming season.
Topics to be discussed at this presentation, which will last about 60-90 minutes, include preparation, gear, food, safety, and environmental impact.
Want to get out into the backcountry? Yet, you might be concerned about trekking too far into the wilderness on your first backpacking adventure. Attend this Zoom presentation to learn more about Jeff’s exciting beginner backpacking trips.
Twenty-four hours before this presentation the Zoom link will be posted on this Meetup event site.
Watch for the scheduling of this presentation monthly through June 2025 on the Stockton/Modesto/Sonora Sierra Club Meetup Group and the Sacramento Sierra Club Meetup Group. Any questions, please contact Jeff Olson, email: rayjeff49@gmail.com, text at 209-661-1116. - Day Hike (2A), Fuller Lake to Fordyce Creek Falls (Sacramento Group)Needs location
This is an out and back hike from Fuller Lake, off of Bowman Lake Road, to Fordyce Creek Falls in the Tahoe National Forest. The first part of the trail is along the north side of Spaulding Lake, with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding ridges. The trail then generally follows the course of Fordyce Creek to the falls. The plan is to have lunch at the falls. The trail is not super steep but there are numerous ups and downs in both directions. Hike stats: about 10 miles with 1200 feet cumulative elevation gain. On a recent scouting hike, there were a few water crossings; poles would be helpful for these. There were also mosquitos and gnats. The pace will be slow-to-moderate with breaks. Due to the mileage and elevation gain, hikers should be in good condition. Limited to 15. Forecast of heavy rain or snow cancels. No minors or dogs. Leader: Michelle Kerr.
Bring: The essentials, including sturdy boots/shoes, at least 2-3 liters of water (it could be hot!), 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.
