Snipes Ravine Folsom SRA
Waiver and Sign-Up Required
After an 18-month hiatus from Friday Walks, we are happy to be able to offer them again. To gather safely, however, we need to follow some new rules.
- You must sign an Electronic Liability Waiver in advance of joining SacValley Chapter Friday Walks. Signing an Electronic Liability Waiver is a permanent change required statewide by the California Native Plant Society. Please note that signing the waiver for SacValley Chapter Friday Walks applies only to our chapter’s Friday Walks and does not cover SacValley Chapter Field Trips or any events or field trips offered by other CNPS chapters. Once you have signed the SacValley Chapter Friday Walks waiver, it is valid through the end of the current calendar year.
- For now, a limited number of participants can join each Friday Walk. The limit is currently 15 participants and one leader. During this initial restart, only four new participants can sign up for each walk. If you have signed up for a Friday Walk at any point after January 1, 2013, you are not considered a new participant.
Walks held unless there is heavy rain. Cancellation notices posted by 7PM Thursday evening if heavy rain is in the forecast.
Friday, December 31, 9:15am-12:00pm, Snipes Ravine, Folsom SRA
Update 8PM, December 30. Overnight low now forecast as 38 degrees, well above freezing.
If this is your first Friday Walk in 2021, read the Waiver and Sign-up section at the top of the Friday Walks page.
This is another ‘hotspot’ of diversity and photo opportunities! The walk will start at Norma Hamlin Park, drop down Snipes Ravine, cross a wooden bridge, climb up to the top of the bluff on the north side of Lake Natoma, drop down to the bike trail on the lake shoreline and follow this NE towards Negro Bar. The return will be along the same path except omitting the climb to the top of the bluff. Ferns seen will include Coffee, Goldback and Maidenhair species, along with Nested Polypody. Besides grass leaves, the most distinguishable Monocot plant is soap root. There are some Brodiaea leaves, but it is too early to identify the species. Mosses and liverworts are seen in parts of the canyon section. Other species leaves are seen along the entire route. One bald eagle quickly flew overhead Monday afternoon. The December rains foreshadow a gorgeous floral display once sunshine and warmth returns.
This walk features more of a climb than walks on the American River Parkway. Expect the trail to be muddy and slippery in the steeper sections. Email John Schmidt for more information or call 916-500-8456.
See the map or use the directions below.
From downtown Sacramento:
– East on Highway 50 to Hazel Ave exit 21
– North on Hazel Ave.
– Right (east) on Sunset Ave (4th stoplight after Hazel Ave bridge).
– Left (north) on Main Ave. at stop sign (it’s the only way you can go).
– Right (east) on Twin Lakes Ave (has stop sign, across from Twin Lakes School).
– Left on Snipes Blvd.
Norma Hamlin Park will be on your right. There is limited free parking for several cars in front of Norma Hamlin Park.
If coming from east of Watt Ave., check the map for shorter routes.
The park has no rest facilities.
Bring water, warm hat, warm layers, sturdy shoes, gloves, sun protection, snacks and maybe binoculars. A walking stick would be welcome on some of the slicker sections. Friday’s forecast is for a very cold morning, possibly freezing, but no rain. While scouting Monday afternoon with 3 layers and a stocking cap, a pair of forgotten gloves would have been welcome.
Please try to be on time. We’ll start walking by 9:30.
State Park Pass Note:
Snipes Raven is less than 4 miles from the California State Parks Gold District Field Office where you can now purchase a 2022 Golden Bear Limited Use State Park Pass (62 and older). The Limited Use State Park Pass is valid from January 1 through December 31, 2022 for State Parks, except from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Many of the 2022 Friday Walks will be at Folsom SRA access areas of like Nimbus Flat, Negro Bar, Salmon Falls, Brown’s Ravine, Beals Point, Granite Bay and Horseshoe Bar. Friday Walks will also visit the Quarry Trail, North Fork Dam Trail and other areas in Auburn SRA. Regular parking in these areas is $12/day. The Limited Use Senior State Park Pass is $20 valid through December 31, 2022. I purchased one Monday but forgot to ask if they will be open New Year’s Eve, so will update this part December 28th.
Click here for more information on State Park passes. The Limited Use Senior State Park Pass is near the bottom of the web page.
Details for this New Year’s Eve Friday Walk will be added by December 27th. Email John Schmidt for more information or call 916-500-8456.
To sign up for the December 31 Snipes Ravine Walk and receive the link for the Electronic Liability Waiver if needed, email John Schmidt or call 916-500-8456 for more information.
If you are vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask. If you are not vaccinated, masks are required. Also if you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do.