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Thunder
Mountain
Tuesday,
September 14, 2010
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous – due to
the elevation gain. But this hike is relatively
short for a strenuous hike (3.7 miles one way – not 4.2 as initially
indicated). Also the grade is not a major challenge except for a couple
short
stretches. Since this hike consists of reaching the highest point of
Amador
County on the summit of Thunder Mountain, hikers should anticipate a
slow, steady
but gradual climb over a 3.7 mile ascent. We will take our time during
this
ascent with frequent water breaks. The scenery will knock your socks
off, so
you owe it to yourself to give this hike a try. If you don’t make the
summit,
you can rejoin the group on the rebound. Note, and his is important,
hikers
will be rewarded with a steady downhill trek to return to the parking
lot
trailhead. As they say, what goes up must come down.
ELEVATION
GAIN: The summit is
exactly 1428 feet higher
than the trail head. However there are a couple short saddles where
another
couple 200 feet of elevation gain will be encountered. You may not
notice this
gain while enjoying the spectacular scenery.
HIKE
DISTANCE: Approximately 7.2 -
7.4 miles total - out
and back. (We will NOT do the loop hike mentioned on the initial hike
description by returning via the Horse Canyon trail near Silver Lake.
The extra
1.3 miles doesn’t add significantly to the scenery, the trail follows a
rocky
creek bottom is some sections – not fun, and we’d have to do a car
drop.)
RISKS: There are 3
identifiable risks:
1) The trailhead is at
7980 feet, and the summit at 9408 feet.
This hike takes place as HIGH ALTITUDE compared to many of the 6000 ft
altitude
hikes we do in the Donner Pass area.
2) There are places on
the single track trail with some drop
offs. You shouldn’t have any difficulty unless you have an acute case
of
vertigo. Just plan to bring your normal good balance.
3) The trail
guide indicates that unexploded military shells and other explosives
used for
snow avalanche control may be found along this trail. I am happy to
report that
the hike leader and his daughter did NOT blow themselves up on the
prehike.
GENERAL
LOCATION: Highway 88 just
prior to the Kirkwood Ski
Resort and Carson Pass. The trailhead is located just beyond Silver
Lake.
DESCRIPTION: The rewards will be
well worth the effort of the ascent to
the summit, with incredible views in all directions greeting you at the
peak of
Thunder Mountain. You will see the mountains of northern Yosemite in
the south
to the peaks of Desolation Wilderness in the north. You will look down
on the
nearby landmarks of Silver and Caples Lakes.
The trail starts in
the
woods, climbs steadily along an excellent trail and then breaks out
into a meadow.
The trail continues, re-enters the trees for a while, switches back,
then
reaches the main ridge. Huge rock plugs from past volcanism dominate
the ridge,
with some plugs looming 100 feet up. We will pass the two Sentinels.
Very
stunning and unique! The dark volcanic rock, punctuated with clefts,
gashes,
pinnacles, and arêtes, create a dramatic alpine scene. Did I mention it
could
knock your socks off?
The trail levels a
bit
along the ridge, then starts climbing again before finally coming back
to the main
ridge where you look down into the Kirkwood Ski Valley. The trail
contours past
a false summit and stays on the main ridge before descending a bit to a
saddle.
A final westward traverse through scattered lodge pole pines, western
white
pines, mountain hemlocks, and white bark pines takes you to the crest
and then
angles sharply to the east, following the ridge to the summit of
Thunder
Mountain and a welcome lunch break overlooking Silver Lake.
LUNCH: Bring your lunch.
The lunch break is planned for mid hike
when we reach the summit.
TRAVEL
TIME / DISTANCE
/ PARKING: Travel time is
approximately 2 hours and 95 miles from
Lincoln. Suggested contribution for riders is $15. Detailed driving
directions
will be handed out to all drivers. Parking is at the trailhead at
Thunder
Mountain, just beyond Silver Lake on Route 88. THERE IS NO FEE FOR
PARKING.
DINNER
PLANS: We will stop
for dinner prior to returning home to Lincoln. A good possibility is
Papa
Gianni’s in Cameron Park, our Italian favorite complements of Fred
Crofut.
HIKE
LEADER
/ SWEEP: Dennis Ratay /
Margaret Ratay
SPECIAL
NOTES:
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE: A comfort station
is available at Caples
Lake, 2 miles further up Route 88. We will stop in route at a Starbucks
or
McDonalds in Placerville if requested.
PREPARATIONS FOR
HIKE: Hiking boots
mandatory and poles very highly
recommended. Also it could be a bit breezy and a bit chilly up at the
summit. A
light windbreaker is recommended to make your lunch more enjoyable. (We
didn’t
need to put on our jackets on the prehike, but even a slight breeze
could make
it uncomfortable.)
QUESTIONS: Call Dennis Ratay
at 543-9935.
MEETING
TIME: 7:30 am at Orchard
Creek parking lot -- We
will leave at 7:45 am. (A 30 minute change from the initial write-up.)
RAIN
CANCELS HIKE
Click
for PREHIKE
PICTURES
Click for Driving Directions
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