Appointments 2 — Sweet Pine Forest Wanderings

Booking Info

Rattlesnake Bar, Folsom State Recreational Area (FSRA), Newcastle
Winter, Spring
Approximately 0.25 miles
All levels of hikers
Well-maintained dirt hiking trail with some ruts, rocks, and uneven ground. A slight uphill section at the start of the trail leads to flatter terrain for most of the short walk. We’ll be gathering in a small, grassy meadow with options to venture down the ungroomed rolling hills or to the flatter, groomed hiking trail.
This is a place of becoming- where the North Fork of the American River thickens and stills, becoming Folsom lake. The landscape is pastoral, with rolling hills, stands of pines, oaks, manzanitas and moss covered granite rocks. The green hillsides lead to the water, visible from the meadow where we’ll gather.

China Bar: Oregon Hill, Auburn State Recreational Area (ASRA), Auburn
Year Round
0.15 miles
All levels of walkers and hikers. This experience is perfect for those desiring a short, flat walk and needing to avoid technical terrain.
The beginning of the path is gravel and dirt with some small rocks and gradually becomes a well maintained dirt path. The walk to the grassy meadow where we’ll gather is flat. Throughout the experience you’ll have the option to stay on flat, nontechnical terrain or to explore areas off the path that may be uneven, rocky, steep, or grassy. This area provides something for every fitness and adventure level.
Oregon Hill is perched up high, offering breathtaking, bird’s eye views of the North Fork of the American River from the top of the canyon. We’ll be wandering through meadows and woods while also taking in the sounds and sights of the river below.

China Bar: Oregon Bar, Auburn State Recreational Area (ASRA), Auburn
Year Round
0.5 mile
Intermediate hikers
This hike is short but involves two downhill sections on the way in (uphill on the way out). These areas are exposed so please keep in mind your comfort level with sun exposure and exertion. The ground in this area is rocky and at times uneven. We’ll be gathering on the shores of the river so expect soft, sandy terrain toward the end of the walk.
China Bar is one of my favorite spots- it's a place where the forest meets the river. We'll get to experience the magic of both landscapes from the shores of the North Fork of the American River. The views are stunning and opportunities for exploring granite slabs, shaded alcoves, and river rocks abound. The river offers its wild gifts no matter the season.

“Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world.”
— Robin Wall Kimmerer