Our trip begins with the bus ride to the remote Donner Party encampment north of Truckee for a morning walk to better understand this tragedy of this 1846 fateful event. From there, we drive through the spectacular Sierra Valley to Clio for lunch at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed clubhouse at Nakoma. Our afternoon takes us through the cute lumber town of Graeagle and a sweet tooth break in the Sierra Lake Basin before arriving at Sierra Pines Lodge in Sierra City overlooking the peaceful headwaters of the Yuba River. In the evening, we will have cocktails overlooking Sardine Lake and the Sierra Buttes before heading to rustic Sardine Lake Lodge for a scrumptious dinner. The morning finds us having a hearty breakfast at the Sierra Pines and a leisurely morning soaking up brisk morning air high in the Sierras before heading to historic Downieville and a picnic lunch along the banks of the North Fork of the Yuba River before heading home.
Note: Because the lodge is small (it is the largest lodging in Sierra County), we can only accommodate double occupancy, so if single— find a friend to share a room or let us know and hopefully there is someone else that needs a roommate. (All meals, transportation and accommodations included; except bar costs at Sardine Lodge).
Sierra College bus will pick up registered members at 9:00am in Rocklin and then head to Colfax Train Station to pick up members at 9:45am. You will be dropped off at each location on the way home.
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:
- Day Trip: must be canceled at least 2 weeks prior to the field trip to receive a refund (minus a $10 cancellation fee).
- Overnight field trips require a 45-day cancellation notice for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). No refunds given after that date.