Folsom Lake State Recreational Area
Use the park page to learn about local hiking, nature, trailheads, trail and route maps, and groups that meet here. If you know something about this area. Please feel welcome to write about it here.
General Information
The Folsom Lake Recreation Area is a patch of preserved nature surrounding the lake. There are some opportunities for hiking and cycling on the trails as well as to simply enjoy hanging out near or swimming in the beautiful lake.
Trailheads
Trailhead Name: Nature Oaks Trail Trailhead
Trailhead Description: There are picnic tables in the area as well.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 10
Parking cost at the trailhead is unknown
Access to trail is wheelchair accessible
Restrooms available: YES
Routes and Trails You Can Travel
Route Name: The Oaks Nature Trail Route
Route Description: Nice and scenic walk along the shore. This is a hiking/walking trail only. No cyclists or equestrians are allowed. The trail isn't very long and there is nearly no elevation gain or loss.
Distance: 0.63
Total elevation gain: 9
Total elevation loss: 9
Hiking
Trails
Other than the long cycling trail, Folsom Lake isn't known as a hiking paradise. The other trails are more scenic and interpretive nature walks than real hikes. One such trail is the The Oaks Nature Trail which is just over three quarters of a mile long.
Climate and Weather
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History
Wildlife
Some of the wildlife that can be seen at the park are deer, fox, wild turkeys, various reptiles, and a number of different fish swimming in Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma.
Birds
Trees
Some of the prominent trees along the shoreline are oaks.
Flowers
Other Plants
Camping Possibilities
Camping is available in the area. For pricing and camping availability, check with Folsom Lake representative.
Other Information
The Folsom Lake isn't the only lake within the recreational area. Slightly to the south of Folsom Lake is Lake Natoma. Lake Natoma is popular for water sports activities like kayaking and rowing,
For land-based activities, the area is very popular among cyclists largely due to the 32-mile cycling trail in the area.
Parking
There are multiple entrances into the park and parking lots. The Mormon Island Parking Lot is currently closed due to construction. To find out when the parking lot reopens, please contact the park authorities.
Driving Directions
Park Map
Photos From This Park
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Hiking or Walking Groups Nearby
Group Name: test
Group Description: test
Group Name: GRN Hike
Group Description: Hiking!
Group Name: Sacramento Backpacking
Group Description: Sacramento-area based group with a preference for multiple-day excursions into the backcountry.
Group Name: Sonoma County Wanderers
Group Description: This is a hiking group for the intermediate hiker! For a hiker that enjoys a relaxed pace, conversation, picture taking and the journey as much as the destination. We usually do between 4 and 10 miles with moderate elevation gain.
Come join us!
Group Name: Milpitas Social Group
Group Description: This group is for all ages!! We do things from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and occasionally all the way to Los Angeles. Dinners, pot lucks, hikes, walks, bikes, camping, happy hours, treat yourself to a massage/spa treatment. Run into old friend! Everybody has to eat and exercise sometime – might as well do it in good company of others. As we see it, one of the reasons to create this group is for singles of all ages to get together and have fun. Struggling with Divorce? Meet other persons who are either anticipating or are in the midst of divorce, custody, or support-related issues and need some direction. Just broke up with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Well join the group! …or just killing times until Mr/Ms. "RIGHT" comes along! To those newly singled and are yet unsure what they want to do with their lives. We suggest a period of experimental single of growth where you can try a variety of new things, new friends, new attitudes etc... You just need to find what ....
Group Name: Muir Woods and Marin Hiking
Group Description: hiking in Muir Woods and other nearby areas. There is even a trail with a small bar at the end of it - join us!
Group Name: Roam the Woods: Women Specific Backpacking
Group Description: Get Trail Smart! Roam offers one and two week backpacking learning vacations for women. We utilize National Parks and Wilderness areas across the U.S. as our "classroom". Have you ever wanted to see glacier fed lakes, long distance trails, dormant volcanoes, waterfalls, lush meadows, mountain streams, awe inspiring peaks…and have the confidence to accept every lesson Mother Nature provides? Roam will show you the way! Visit: www.roamthewoods.com for more information
Group Name: Amazon HIking and Adventure Group
Group Description: Fairfield, CA based Women's Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Group! The Amazon Group is a group for meeting other Women in their 20's and 30's who enjoy hiking, outdoors, and fitness. This group is for healthy/fit women who love to be outdoors and enjoy activities like: Hiking, backpacking, river-rafting, kayaking, and camping! Whether you are an experienced hiker or have never hiked before, join us! Other events include girl's night outs, hanging out, and day trips to fun new places. We also often stop at nearby places for good brews, food and conversation after hikes. Have fun while getting fit! Make new friends! Take time out of your busy life and get outside, and meet new people.
Group Name: San Francisco Hiking Group
Group Description: Scenic hikes and challenging rock climbing along the Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, and Sausalito. Good way to make friends with San Francisco locals and enjoy some good hiking!
Group Name: Snowdogs
Group Description: Hiking, Running, Skiing/Snowboarding and other outdoor activities
Group Name: test group
Group Description: Group for testing
Group Name: Bay Area Birders
Group Description: This group is for birding people in the San Francisco Bay area. I figure we can open it to everyone. I will not be the "leader", but I hope that each of you will step forward now and then to lead some kind of outing. Roy
Upcoming Hikes
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Past Hikes
Ultra Long Hike Which Requires Training | 96.4 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-7-2010
Description: I want to train with some people to do a really long and strenuous hike - maybe around 30+ miles. Maybe find some record to break :) Any ideas?
Shipwreck Hunt During Low Tide | 96 km away
Date: Saturday, 1-29-2011
Description: The original shipwreck hunt was a very popular event, so we are scheduling another event to see the two ships that can be spotted in the ocean during low tide! We will meet at: 870 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, California That is the trailhead. The hike is 2 miles each way. The terrain is pretty easy, but in the middle there are few mid-sized hills. Here is a page describing Lands End: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php
Alviso Slough loop | 98.9 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-6-2011
Description: Meeting point Alviso Marino park - there must be parking there.It is easy hike 9-10 miles along Alviso slough. It is 100% flat. Hope it will be good bird watching opportunities. You can bring small lunch with you or we may decide to try Alviso town restaraunt
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 96 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-13-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Cannons, Ecology and Palace of Fine Arts Hike at the Presidio | 94.5 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-20-2011
Description: This will be a really beautiful and historic hike through the Presidio. We will meet at the Arguello Gate, walk along the Ecology Trail, then through the army base to see the old Officers Homes and a display of historic cannons used by the army. We will then go to the Palace of Fine Arts for a break and a little snack (10-20 minutes), and then we will head back. Here is some information about the Presidio: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/the_presidio.php
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 96 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-27-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Presidio Ridge Trail To Golden Gate Bridge | 94.5 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-13-2011
Description: This will be mid-difficulty hike. We will meet at the Arguello gate and hike along the (relatively newly built) Ridge Trail which is very scenic. The hike goes to the bottom of Golden Gate Bridge.
Once we get to the bridge, we will go back along the same path to where we started.
Arrowhead Marsh Bird Walk | 87.5 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-20-2011
Description: This walk is by Arrowhead Marsh near the Oakland Airport. The area is popular with birders because of winter waterfowl population, and frequent sighting of California Clapper Rails. We meet at 1:00 pm in the main parking lot. From 880, head toward the Oakland Airport. Turn right at Pardee Drive, then left on Swan Way, and right to enter the park. Ignore the first 2 parking areas, and continue to the end of the road by the observation tower. Approach the water. I will be sitting on the fishing dock, wearing a dorky white hat with a cape. High tide is at 1:42 pm, offering a good change of seeing a clapper rail or two. If that fails, we can try again in the late afternoon. Meanwhile, we can wander about various pond and shoreline areas to observe a variety of waterfowl. Here is a link to park information and a park map. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mlk All walking is level and paved. Bicycles are allowed. Distance depends on what we care to do. The loop around the New Marsh and seasonal p ....
Lost in the Presidio Hike Adventure | 94.5 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-27-2011
Description: This will be an experimental hike where we take trails we don't really know and see if we get lost, and can find our way back. Do not worry! The Presidio is not very big and I know it pretty well. So really, we won't be very lost. But it will be fun to orient ourselves and see if we can figure out different trails in a somewhat unusual and experimental situation where everyone can contribute. We will meet at the Arguello gate. There is plenty of parking on the streets there.
Musical Chairs Presidio Hike | 94.5 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-2-2011
Description: To make the hike more fun and social, we will do some experiments with playing musical chairs with whom you hike next to, and who leads the hike. The focus will be on making it fun, healthy, social, and creative. Game suggestions are welcome The hike will be through many different Presidio trails. There is plenty of parking on the streets.
San Francisco Hilltop Tour | 95.2 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-9-2011
Description: Great for ALL LEVELS of hiker! A popular favorite, we sample all the great views from San Francisco's central hills. Hikers are encouraged to do any portion of the hike, stopping to do other city-things when they've had enough, or catching a bus or calling a cab--you can even join us along the way if you call and track us down en route. The entire loop is 13 miles and goes from Bernal Hill to Holly Park, Glen Canyon, Mount Davidson, Twin Peaks, Tank Hill, Monument Hill, the Vulcan and Saturn Steps, Corona Heights with the Castro, Dolores Park and the wild murals of Clarion Alley on the way back to Bernal. This will be the fourth time Mike has led this hike. The route is similar to this: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Ellsworth+St&daddr=Unknown+road+to:Esmeralda+Ave+to:Elsie+St+to:Unknown+road+to:37.74304,-122.44537+to:37.7454984,-122.4463794+to:37.74606,-122.44726+to:37.746284,-122.4433892+to:37.7469013,-122.4450711+to:Portola+Dr+to:37.738394,-122.453243+to:Twin+P ....
Length of Golden Gate Park Hike and Learning About Nature | 95.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 4-10-2011
Description: Spring is a great time to see the different blooming wildflowers and other plants. I don't know too much about flowers or plants, but I promise to read up on it and share what I know. The hike itself will be the length of Golden Gate Park and back. It will take about 45 minutes each way and we will break in the middle by the ocean.
Ed Levin - Monument Peak | 93.9 km away
Date: Sunday, 4-17-2011
Description: Meeting point: Sandy Wool Lake parking Please call or e-mail (vaysfeld@sbcglobal.net) me if you want to join. I'll check this site as well. Uphill part: 3-5 miles AGUA CALIENTE trail , Monument peak trail, Monument peak road If we'll be OK then reach Monument peak in Mission peak park Downhill Seirra trail, Monument peak, Calera creek trail
Lowest Tide Sunrise Shipwreck Hike | 96 km away
Date: Tuesday, 4-19-2011
Description: This will be super-low-tide and I think the ships will be most visible exactly at this time and date of the month. We will also probably catch the sunrise. The hike is very early in the day, so if we will all be awake we will have a little historic talk and about an hour hike. After that we will all probably take the bus to work together. :) I am very excited about this particular tide because it is supposed to be extremely low. There is plenty of parking in the area, and we will all gather at the sign which says Lands End.
2 Buck Chuck Wine ;) Scavenger Hunt Hike | 94.5 km away
Date: Sunday, 5-1-2011
Description: In another attempt to make hiking more fun and spontaneous, I will plant some wine bottles in random places of the Presidio and we will try to find the wine. I will let others lead so that it is truly a scavenger hunt. If the park rangers or the squirrels do not find, and drink the wine, we will have some after about 2 hours of hiking.