If you want to actually get to the base of the Birdsall Dam site, which was my goal, you have to be more adventurous. You must leave the Pioneer Express Trail and hike around the American River bottoms.
Hiking Around
Posts related to different hikes I have taken primarily in California and around Folsom Lake region. Pictures and maps
Hidden Falls Placer County on an Instagram Sunday
Even with what seemed like half the city of Auburn crawling all over the rocks, steps and trails, the waterfalls were worth the hike.
Mountain Bikes are Destroying Folsom Lake Trails in Granite Bay
All of this increased mountain bike activity is destroying the trails around Folsom Lake in Granite Bay.
Why I Love Sacramento – Sac Bee Essay Contest
The autumnal sun drops low in the horizon and lights up the lichen and moss covering the tree trunks and branches.
Historic Granite Bay Gold Mine
As I peered down the mine shaft at the tunnel entrance I was surprised at how deep it was. With water dripping off the roots from recent rains, the sides of the tunnel were comprised of the same cobble and red dirt as the trail and pit up top.
Wild Mendocino Mushrooms: Hunt, Gather, Eat
At the end of our two hour hike, Adrienne handed us a couple of wax paper bags full of mushrooms, primarily hedgehogs and winter chanterelles, to take home.
Bristlecone Pines, Rainbow waterfall and Mono Lake brine shrimp (Video)
If you like geological wonders, Hwy 395 south of Lake Tahoe has plenty of natural awe inspiring places to visit.
Orchids are Edible we learned from Mr. Gibbons
Mr. Gibbons was pretty excited to go snorkeling with us the next day.
Manoa Muddy Falls Trail versus Lyon Arboretum (Video)
Parts of the arboretum can give you a real sense of wonder at the towering trees and even larger volcanic mountains in the background.
Olive orchard along historic Pioneer Express Trail in Folsom
The highlight for me was running through the old olive orchard. Even though many of the trees have died, a healthy stand of fruit bearing trees still exists.
