SIR Bidwell Branch 110 Hiking
Hike to the Oroville Dam Train Tunnel February 18, 2025.
The February hike will take us to the Oroville Dam Train Tunnel alongside
the Thermalito Diversion Pool and the Feather River. We'll meet at 9:45am
at the Park and Ride lot that's nearest Highway 99 along Fir Street.
From there we'll drive to Oroville for the hike. After the hike, we'll
stop for lunch in the Oroville area (lunch is optional).
Take water, a snack and a headlamp or flashlight. Suggest taking sunscreen,
eye protection, lip balm, walking poles or staff if desired, a personal
first aid kit, and a hat. Binoculars could come in handy for bird watching.
Include in your pack the name of an emergency contact, contact information
and medical insurance information. Take money for lunch (optional).
This hike is mostly along a walking path but sections are uneven. Without
light the uneven train tunnel can be hazardous. The path is generally even
terrain with gradual elevation changes. Surfaces can include rocks and
potholes and can be slippery from rain and leaves.
Be alert to tripping and fall hazards.
For additional information contact Rich Utter (Br. 110), Randy Benson (Br. 110) or Jim Hertl (Br. 84).
Sacramento River Trail Hike November 15, 2024.
The happy hikers posing by the Sacramento River Trail Bridge.
Sacramento River Trail Hike Recon Pictures From Randy Benson.
The concrete bridge Rich Utter is standing on is the old Diestelhorst Bridge built in 1914.
A handy bench for viewing the Sacramento River.
Rich Utter & Randy Benson smiling for the camera.
A view of the Sacramento River from the Diestelhorst Bridge.
The dam in the background is Keswick Dam below Shasta Dam.
A great view of the Sacramento River from the trail.
A view of the Sacramento River through the jungle. Don't get lost.
A great view of Benton Dr. and the Union Pacific Railroad trestle from the Diestelhorst bridge.
Upper Bidwell Park Hike Tuesday October 8, 2024
Bidwell Park hikers (L to R: Rich Utter, Vincent Herrera & Randy Benson).
While we are past the hot temperatures of summer, fall so far has proved
to be a warm weather proposition. The hike was in Upper Bidwell Park & the hikers
headed out on the Middle Trail then dropping down to the Yahi Trail at Bear
Hole for the hike back. They saw some of the area burned by the Park Fire
but along the Yahi Trail there was plenty of shade near the creek and it
was a pleasant outing. They went by the area where the Park Fire started
and stopped and thought about the acres and structures burned and also the
remarkable fact that no one died fighting or fleeing the Park Fire. They
completed their circular route at Horseshoe and headed for home.
Photos furnished by Randy Benson.
The great view along the trail.
The upper park jungle. Don't get lost!
Lower Bidwell Hike Thursday March 10, 2022
Bidwell Park hikers (L. to R.: Jim Hertl, Rich Utter & Randy Benson).
A pair of shy Wood Ducks spotted by Jim Hertl. (You can almost see them)
Hike Along Sycamore Creek February 18, 2020
Pictured ,while taking a break during the Sycamore Hike are: (LtoR) Benny Sommer(84), Mike Lazzarerro (84), Rick Utter (110), Jim Hertl (84), Ken Doglio (84), Ron Peterson (84), Thom Smith (guest), Tony Slocum (guest) and Terry Wilson (110). Not pictured is Sherry Sommer photographer and fellow hiker. They enjoyed beautiful weather and great views of Sycamore Creek, the foothills and pastures with grazing cattle north of Chico.
A Walk in the Park June 19, 2018
Pictured as they took a break while hiking on the Lower Yanhi Trail in Upper Bidwell Park, are (L to R): Mike Gannon (84), Don Levensaler (110), Terry Wilson (110), Jim Hertl (84), Marv Smith (110), Ron Peterson (84) and kneeling, Christy Smith (110). Not pictured, because he was taking the picture, is Gerry McLaughlin (84). As you can see the hikers enjoyed views of Chico Creek Canyon and all were tempted to jump into the creek as it got pretty warm by the time they headed back from Bear hole to Horseshoe Lake. It was a great time on the trail.
Bickley's Cabin Hike May 15, 2018
Enjoying the perfect weather. Picture by Greg Sanger.
Working their way down the trail. Picture by Greg Sanger.
Spread out along the trail. Picture by Greg sanger.
Observing the dangerous wildlife. Picture by Lori Grady.
Bickley's ranch cabin. Thanks to the host & hostess Harold and Gloria Bickley. Picture by Greg Sanger.
Pictured after returning from the 4 mile hike, are: Back row (LtoR): Harold Bickley, host(84), Bob Grady(110), Don Levensaler (110), Terry Wilson(110), Mike Wacker(110), Greg Sanger(84), Mike Lazzaretto(84), Ron Peterson(84), Jim Weibert(110) & Marv Smith(110). Front Row (LtoR): Gerry McLaughlin(84), Lori Grady (110), Gloria Bickley, hostess(84), Sherry Sommer(84), Benny Sommer(84), Betsy Sanger (84), Beverly Lazzaretto(84), Christy Smith(110) & Jim Hertl(84). Picture by the phantom photographer.
Yana Trail Hike April 17, 2018
Trail sign at the Yana Trail hike on April 17, 2018. Picture by Lori Grady.
Hikers climbing in single file during Yana Trail hike on April 17, 2018. Picture by Lori Grady.
The weather was perfect & the views were spectacular at the Yana Trail hike on April 17, 2018. Picture by Lori Grady.
A happy hiker posing for a picture & enjoying the view at the Yana Trail hike on April 17, 2018. Picture by Lori Grady.
Dan Beebe / Bidwell Canyon Hike
Pausing during their 3 1/2 mile hike on the Dan Beebe / Bidwell Canyon Trail are (L to R) Gerry McLaughlin, Jim Hertl, Betsy Sanger, Greg Sanger & Benny Sommer (all #84).
The low lake levels have exposed the old Oro Quincy Highway that ran through the Bidwell Bar to Berry Creek.
Pictured (L to R): Greg Sanger, Betsy Sanger & Jim Hertl. In the background is Bidwell Marina with all the houseboats all in a row, once again, showing the low lake levels.
Pictured (L to R): Jim Currlin (110), Linn Hanson (84), Mike Gannon (84), Mike Lazzaretto (84), Jim Hertl (84), Paul Miller (84), Ron Peterson (84), Bob Lawson (84) & Gerry McLaughlin (84) with Horshoe Lake in the background. This was a nice brisk 4 mile hike in Upper Bidwell Park on February 20, 2018. The temperature was 29 degrees when they started.
September Hike in Bidwell Park on September 19, 2017
September hike in Bidwell Park. The hikers paused halfway through "walk in the Park" at Sycamore Pool, in Lower Bidwell Park. Pictured (L to R): Mike Gannon, Ron Peterson, Greg Sanger, Jim Hertl, Gerry McLaughlin, Mike Lazzaretto & Linn Hanson (all Branch 84).
October 5.1 mile hike at Paradise Lake. Pausing halfway are: (L to R): Ken doglio, Jim Hertl, Linn Hanson, Ron Peterson, Gerry McLaughlin, Mike Lazzaretto (all Branch 84) & Nikki Stadler (Jim's daughter).
At Paradise Lake: (L to R) Ken Doglio, Jim Hertl, Linn Hanson, Ron Peterson, Mike Lazzaretto & Gerry McLaughlin (all Branch 84). Picture by Nikki Stadler.