Lodge

Sierra, Jan, 2001

Stay out in the wilderness. Many of our Lodge Trips originate from Sierra Club's historic Clair Tappaan Lodge in the Sierra Nevada. This hillside lodge is the perfect base from which to explore, and features hearty meals, friendly staff, and a hot tub. Trip activities may focus on birding, history, painting, or have no particular focus at all. Either way, on a Lodge Trip you are sure to enjoy marvelous scenic settings.

Nantahala Hideaway: Tapoco Lodge, Nantahala Forest, North Carolina. April 8-14. Step back in time at the 1930s Tapoco Lodge nestled among mountains and cascading rivers. Relax, fish, and enjoy Appalachian vistas, balds, wildflowers, and 500-year-old trees. Leaders: Otto and Vivian Spielbichler. Price: $745; Dep: $100. [01065A][C][D][M]

[R] T'ai-Chi in the Mountains, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. June 10-16. Learn to center your energy, while exercising your muscles and joints in gentle movements that enhance good feelings. Add to that scrumptious, healthy food, a rustic alpine lodge, daily hikes, and hot tub lounging, and you'll learn what good karma is all about. Join us in the fresh mountain air and among the wild-flowers. Leader: Donell Marie Kerns. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [01235A][M][N]

Backpacking the Easy Way, Tahoe National Forest, California. June 24-29. See Sierra Backpack section, page 73, for trip description. Leaders: Sy and Laura Gelman. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [01236A]

Mountain Birding, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. June 24-30. Bird the Sierras from the comfort of a rustic mountain lodge. Daily outings to prime locations will introduce beginners to the excitement of observing birds and allow experienced birders the chance to spot uncommon species. On leisurely hikes, we listen for bird song, learn to identify the birds we find, and observe their behaviors. Wildflowers and Sierran natural history will not escape our attention. Leaders: Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [01237A][C][G][M]

Spring Into Action: Exploring Bear Valley and Highway 4 Corridor, Stanislaus National Forest, California. June 24-30. Explore the spectacular Bear Valley-Highway 4 corridor during "spring time in the mountains." At 7,000 feet we are only a short drive away from granite outcroppings, alpine lakes, forested hiking paths, and meadows of spring wildflowers, Lodging at mountain B&Bs and lodges. Optional hikes up to 10 miles. Open to families, Leaders: Vicky Bray-Johnson and Roz Bray Price: $595; Dep: $100. [01238A][N][G][D]

Art and Hiking in the Sierras, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. July 8-14. Have you ever seen a landscape so beautiful that you ached to preserve it forever in watercolors? Do you enjoy hiking to sparkling mountain lakes for a swim, scrambling over glaciated granite, and admiring carpets of wildflowers? If so, come to the Sierra this summer for painting instruction and guided hikes, Leaders: Susan Barkan and Eileen Downey Price: $595; Dep: $100. [01239A][G][M]

Sierra Strolls, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. July 15-21. Sample the Sierra on our short, leisurely hikes along easy trails. We'll stroll by mountain lakes, creeks, spectacular granite formations, and meadows of wildflowers. We'll visit the Donner Party winter sites, the top of Squaw Peak (by tram), and beautiful Lake Tahoe. This trip is suitable for beginners and people with limited mobility who are able to climb stairs. Leader: Kay Wells. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [01240A]

[R] Mountain Medley, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. July 21-27. Each day brings a new adventure and an expert to accompany us. We'll hike sections of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, explore the history, swim or fish in mountain lakes, and enjoy an under-the-stars Shakespeare production. In the evenings, we'll return to the lodge for good food, new friends, and a soak in the hot tub. Leaders: Alline Anderson and Kurt Kessner. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [01241A]

The East Coast Trail, Newfoundland, Canada. July 21-29. This is a place like no other -- a dramatically beautiful coastline, whales, wildflowers, lighthouses, and islands teeming with sea birds. Come join us for hikes in this pristine wilderness of rock cliffs and coves, enchanted forests, and coastal meadows. We'll also enjoy St. John's (the picturesque capital), take a boat trip, and sample local food and music. Accommodations in seaside B&Bs. Leader: Marleen Fouche. Price: $995; Dep: $100. [01223A][C][G][K]

Mountains & Fjords: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, British Columbia. July 28-August 5. Explore Canada's "Last Frontier" 300 miles north of Vancouver. A two-night ferry ride through majestic fjords takes us to a remote but comfortable lodge along the Atnarko River. Activities include easy and moderate hikes in old-growth forests, a float trip, and cultural visits with Nuxalk First Nation to view ancient petroglyphs. Ferry (not meals) and lodging with meals included in trip price. Leader: Sue Johnston. Price: $1,365; Dep: $200. [01242A]

Introduction to Backpacking, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. August 11-17. This popular trip returns for a third season! This is a perfect opportunity if you have always wanted to try backpacking. We alternate nights spent at rustic Clair Tappaan Lodge with nights camping under the stars in the Lake Tahoe area, all the while learning "Leave No Trace" backpacking skills. (Rated L.) Leader: Kathy Wells. Price: $545; Dep: $100. [01243A][G][M]