MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Next up in its series of free outdoor experiences is a trip to Donner Summit to hike the trail through the Truckee Tunnel on Saturday, August 26th. Sponsored by an Outdoor Equity Program grant from the CA Department of Parks and Recreation, Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture has been conducting these free monthly adventures since the first of the year except for its event in July that had to be postponed due to the excessive heat warnings.

More than 150 years ago, thousands of Chinese laborers bored through solid granite to construct miles of railroad tunnels on Donner Summit, an astonishing engineering feat and a crucial link in the Transcontinental Railroad. The Tahoe Tunnel Trek is an easy out, and back, four-mile round trip hike along an abandoned train track at Donner Summit.  The footing is tricky as there is gravel from the train rail bed mixed with large boulders that have fallen from the tunnels and puddles from melting snow. Most of the hike is through a series of tunnels so be prepared for darkness, dripping water, the sound of bats and cool temperatures. Many of the inside walls of the tunnels are covered with graffiti. Please be aware that some of the spray-painted words may be inappropriate for younger hikers. There are occasional openings in the tunnels where hikers will enjoy stunning views of Donner Lake.

Free bus transportation will be provided for this hike. The starting point is Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture’s building at 624 E St., Marysville, CA at 8:00 am on August 26, 2023. Individuals preferring to drive their own vehicles can meet the bus at the Donner Ski Ranch at 19320 Donner Pass Rd., Norden, CA 95724 at 10:30 and join the caravan to the trailhead from there. The group will hike the two miles of tunnels and break for lunch before tackling the return hike. It is recommended to wear waterproof hiking boots, bring water and lunch, and a flashlight, headlamp or fully charged cell phone with a light. The group will return to the trailhead at approximately 2:00 pm. for the return to Marysville by 4:00 pm.

The art activity for this hike will be a little different than most of the hikes. Participants are all welcome to nature journal and sketch during the lunch break. However, hikers will also have the option to be inspired by the informal graffiti artwork located on the walls of the tunnels and create their own spray painted, graffiti- inspired souvenir T-shirt to take home. Shirts and all paint supplies as well as how-to instruction will be available. As usual, snacks and extra water will be available at the start and finish of the hike. Again, transportation and all supplies are provided free of charge.

As always, there will be an embedded artist and scientist/naturalist with the group to answer questions and to guide you as you explore this unique part of the Sierra Nevada. If you have questions or concerns, please call Anna Newman (956-525-2031) for further information. The trip is limited to 45 participants. If you have signed up and for some reason, find that you cannot attend, please let YSAC know as soon as possible so that others on the waiting list may attend. Pre-registration is a must at yubasutterarts.org or call 530-742-2787.

About YSA: Yuba Sutter Arts is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide arts programming, education, advocacy, assistance and service to artists, organizations and residents of Yuba and Sutter Counties. The local affiliate for Yuba and Sutter of the California Arts Council, its programs include Arts in Education, Veterans Initiatives in the Arts, Arts in Corrections, Very Special Arts Festival, Convergence Theatre Company, Center Stage Productions, the Yuba Sutter Big Band, Harvest the Arts and many more.