MOST FUN TRIP OF THE YEAR 8th Annual High Sierra Trip – July 20 to 26

Find us at campsite # 109 at Sunset-Union Valley Campground at Union Valley Reservoir

Nearest address: intersection Fashoda Way and Ice House Rd. 95726

Your 2025 Liability Waiver is required for members and guests. Canoe and Kayak Paddlers membership annual dues $15 ($25 family & friends) Meetup message Ken N for information and waiver form.

No inflatable boats, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boat length 12 feet.

Join the fun on our annual High Sierra trip. Our base camp this year is again at Sunset-Union Valley Campground, located just 17 miles off Hwy 50 in the Sierra Nevada, elevation about 4900'. There are 5 lakes within a 15 mile radius with over 40 miles of shoreline to explore.

Website: Information and Campground Maps:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd917865.pdf
I recommend you copy the map on this website as we will paddle 4 lakes in this area.

Camping: This campground fills up during the summer. Reservations can be made 6 months from YOUR arrival date https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232083, or call (877-444-6777) to make reservations.

There are single sites, $28/night ($14 with senior pass) that can hold 2 vehicles and up to 6 people, You are responsible for your own reservations, meals and camping equipment. Additional camping available at nearby Fashoda Campground, on a first come first serve basis. When you have a reservation, let me know the site number and dates you will paddle. You will need wheels so I recommend bringing them.

Facilities: The Sunset campground has 131 sites, and many can accommodate large RV's, NO electrical hookups. Each site has picnic table, fire grill and drinking water nearby. Vault toilets are the norm. Coin-operated showers are available. Firewood can be purchased from the camp host, about $10 per bundle. Nearby Icehouse Resort (6 miles) offers a few cabins, restaurant, gas, and limited groceries. The Fashoda Campground has 30 sites for tents only and is next to Sunset Campground. Nearby Icehouse Campground has 82 camp sites.

Toilets are available at the launch areas. Pack a lunch; we will stop along the shore to eat.

Tentative Paddling Schedule:
July 20 Sun. travel day, no paddle scheduled
July 21 Mon. Union Res. loop 3
July 22 Tue. Wrights Lake
July 23 Wed Icehouse Res.
July 24 Thur. Loon Lake
July 25 Fri. Union Res. loop 2
July 26 Sat. Union Res. loop 3

Meet at 9:30 AM at the designated launch site. We launch OTW at 10:00 AM, trip length will be between 4 to 5 hours.

Directions: Take highway 50 east from Sacramento, through Placerville, and through Pollock Pines. Continue east on Hwy 50, for 8.3 miles to the Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Icehouse Road and go 14 miles to Fashoda Way. Turn left drive to the campground/boat ramp.

PLEASE READ THIS: The organizers of this trip are not experts, not professional paddlers and do not necessarily have safety training or carry any safety equipment. Each paddler must have the training, experience and equipment required to complete this paddle safely, and must assume all personal risks. A Coast Guard approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device must be worn by everyone while on the water, no exceptions !

This trip is sponsored by MARIN CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB

Boat Ramp Etiquette

1. DO use the staging area to prepare your boat and equipment.
2. DO respect the traffic lines.
3. DO bring a friend to help.
4. DO bring wheels to transport boat and equipment to the ramp
5. DO unload and load equipment in the prep area, not on the launch ramp.
6. NO NOT approach the ramp unprepared; wait until it is your turn.
7. DO NOT prep your boat or unload equipment in the ramp lane.
8. DO NOT socialize while on the ramp.
9. If you spend more than 5 minutes on the ramp you are hoggin’ the ramp.