Welcome to the Osher Lifelong Learning Instituteat Sierra College Spring 2025 Registration is Open! Spring 2025 Term Dates: (M) February 3 - (F) May 16 > ALL

Hike to the Elusive Transcontinental Railroad Catfish Pond   

In the late 1860’s when the Transcontinental Railroad was being built, Chinese workers stocked a local natural pond near Donner Summit with non-native catfish to supplement their meager diet. Descendants of these fish have survived in this same pond for over 160 years. Terry McAteer will lead you on this relatively flat 1 1/2 mile (roundtrip) hike at 7000 feet elevation to lunch at the pond and feed the catfish. You need to be in pretty good shape. The views are spectacular! Following the hike, you are welcome to join Terry to visit the Transcontinental RR tunnels (included in your cost). Meet at 10 am at the dirt parking lot across the street from Donner Ski Ranch on Donner Pass Road. Wear good hiking shoes, bring a lunch, hat, sunscreen and plenty to drink. Terry will supply some catfish food! Limited to 35 people.

• You should be in good physical condition for this hike.

• Wear good hiking shoes, bring a lunch, hat, sunscreen and plenty to drink. Following this hike is the Transcontinental Railroad Tunnels field trip that begins at 1:00p. If you would like to participate in this field trip you must register for it separately.

Meet at 10 am at the dirt parking lot across the street from Donner Ski Ranch on Donner Pass Road. More information will follow as we get closer to the field trip date. Limited to 35 people.

Field Trip Cancellations and Refund Policy
If we have to cancel a field trip you will receive a full refund. If you cancel a field trip, it must be canceled at least 2 weeks prior to receive a refund. Overnight field trips require a 30-day cancellation notice. 

 

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