The local Sierra Nevada Sierra Club group’s monthly hiking group will be leading a hike to Spaulding Lake and Fordyce Falls. Whether you are new to Nevada County or a lifetime resident, get outside and meet new like-minded locals on this epic hike with beautiful views and swimming opportunities.

About the hike:

The hike will be guided by Sierra Club hiking leaders. There will be two options for the hike (both out and back). One option is to Spaulding Lake (3.5 miles) and one is to Fordyce Falls (10.3 miles).

The two groups will start at the same time and hike the first 1.7 miles together until we reach Spaulding Lake. One group will stop at Spaulding Lake for lunch and an optional dip in the lake before turning around and hiking back on Spaulding Lake Trail to the trailhead. This hike is a total of 3.5 miles roundtrip. We are estimating 2-3 hours from start to finish depending on how long the lunch/swim break is. This hike is rated easy/moderate with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained trails.

The second group will continue on after reaching Spaulding Lake and go an additional 3.45 miles along Spaulding Lake Trail until we reach Fordyce Falls. It is 5.15 miles one way to get to the falls. We will stop for a lunch break and an optional swim at the falls. After lunch, we will turn around and hike back along Spaulding Lake Trail to the trailhead. This hike is a total of 10.3 miles and 1400 feet of elevation gain. This hike is rated moderate to strenuous due to the mileage of the hike. We are estimating 6-5 hours from start to finish depending on how long the lunch/swim break is. If you want to join this hike plan on making it an all-day event

Click here for more information and to register.