News Release Archive

Fall events and recreation at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: October 04, 2018

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will host a variety of events and activities for people of all ages this fall at New Melones Lake. From kayaking to critters, there is something for everyone!

Paddling Excursion
Sunday, October 21, 10 a.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of New Melones Lake from a unique perspective on this ranger-led paddling tour. The journey begins at the Mark Twain Recreation Area and then proceeds up the Stanislaus River Canyon toward Parrotts Ferry. Along the way, park rangers will discuss the flora, fauna, geological formations and cultural history of the area. This outing is open to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other non-motorized boat. Expect to be out for four hours. Participants need to bring their own boat, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (properly fitted and serviceable), paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and lunch. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please contact Park Ranger Josh Pelham at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place at this event. We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 10 a.m.

Things That Go Bump in the Night!
Saturday, October 27, 6 p.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
With Halloween almost here, it is time to discover “things that go bump in the night.” Join Park Ranger Mike McGraw for a journey along sections of the Black Bear and Cougar Point Trails to discover the nocturnal world around New Melones Lake. Children of all ages are welcome. We will meet at the Tuttletown Recreation Area Entrance Station at 6:00 p.m. and caravan as a group to the trailhead. The hike will be roughly 1-mile roundtrip. Participants should wear appropriate clothing for the weather as things might be a bit “chilling,” and a flashlight is required. Participants will be issued a free parking pass for the duration of the event. For additional information, please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233 or mmcgraw@usbr.gov.

Acorn Planting Day
Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
The majestic oak is synonymous with the foothills of the Motherlode. Yet, these long-lived trees have had many challenges to their survival. Join park rangers to plant acorns and learn how people can support the iconic oak woodland. Volunteers should dress for mild to cool fall weather, bring snacks and water, and wear a hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and bring work gloves (if possible). Registration begins at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m.

The New Melones Dam
Saturday, November 10, and Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Melones Lake Dam Overlook
Have you ever wanted a good look at the dam that impounds the waters of the Stanislaus River? Here’s your opportunity! This fall the gate to the dam overlook will open for two weekend days. A park ranger will be available on site to answer questions about the dam and history of New Melones Lake. The overlook is off of Old Melones Dam Rd/Peoria Flat Rd, which can be reached by taking O’byrnes Ferry Rd from Hwy 108. Please call 209-536-9094 ext 233 if additional directions are needed.

Chaparral Foray
Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m.
Parrotts Ferry Bridge
Join a ranger for an energetic hike along a section of Table Mountain. The trail travels through California’s distinctive Chaparral Plant Community, a sun-drenched ecosystem perfect to explore on an autumn day. Along the way, catch a glimpse of history by viewing what remains of the Duchess Gold Mine. This is a strenuous 3½ mile, loop hike. Please bring plenty of water, a jacket and sturdy hiking boots. We will meet at the parking lot on the Calaveras County side of the Parrotts Ferry Bridge at 10 a.m. Please call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if additional directions are needed.

Giving Thanks to Nature
Saturday, Nov 24, 10 a.m.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Work off some of those extra Thanksgiving calories with a hike on the Angels Creek Trail in the Glory Hole Recreation Area. Join Park Ranger Pat Sanders and discover what nature offers during the fall season at New Melones Lake on this moderate, 2.5-mile roundtrip hike. We will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and then caravan down to the Angel Creek trailhead. Please bring water, a jacket and sturdy footwear. Participants will be issued a free parking pass for the duration of the event.

If These Rocks Could Talk
Sunday, December 9, 10 a.m.
Natural Bridges parking area
The Motherlode’s geology is a source of fascination. One of the more curious geological features of the area is Natural Bridges. Take a hike with Park Ranger Josh Pelham and learn how water and time has shaped the landscape. Along the trail, learn a bit about the local flora and fauna. This is a moderate to strenuous, 2-mile, roundtrip hike. Participants may return uphill on their own. Please bring water, snacks, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead parking lot off of Parrotts Ferry Road at 10 a.m. Dogs are not allowed on the Natural Bridges Trail. For additional information, please contact Park Ranger Josh Pelham at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 or jpelham@usbr.gov.

Geminids Meteor Shower
Thursday, December 13, 6 p.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Eagle Point Picnic Area
The Geminids has been referred to as the “King of Meteor Showers,” producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. The peak this year is the night of December 13. Join Park Ranger Diana Popkins for the best show in the heavens. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky. Telescopes will be on hand for viewing. For additional information, please contact Park Ranger Diana Popkins at 209-536-9094 ext. 218 or dpopkins@usbr.gov.

New Year’s Day Hike
Tuesday, January 1, 10 a.m.
Peoria Flat Road
Welcome in 2019 with a hike and superb views of the Stanislaus River Canyon and New Melones Lake. This is a challenging 4-mile loop hike to the top of Peoria Mountain. Please bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots. The hike begins at the end of Old Melones Dam Rd/Peoria Flat Rd, which can be reached by taking O’byrnes Ferry Rd from Hwy 108. Please call 209-536-9094 ext 233 if additional directions are needed.

School Programs
Available Upon Request
Water is life! School classes can join a park ranger at New Melones Lake to learn about water and other life-sustaining natural resources. Through interactive lessons and activities, students will gain a firsthand appreciation of local ecosystems. In addition to the on-site learning at the lake, park rangers are available to conduct classroom visits. For more details on this free program, please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233 or mmcgraw@usbr.gov.

All activities are free and suitable for all ages, although children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing. A water bottle and sunscreen are also recommended.

For general information about a program, directions, or the status of a program if inclement weather is forecast, please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233. If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233 or email mmcgraw@usbr.gov a minimum of 14 days in advance.

The New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office and is open daily Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions or other questions, please call 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the New Melones Lake website here.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.