Location: South of White Lake in Lanark Highlands
California Road is a gravel backroad leading to a historical gold rush settlement. It passes through mixed forest and beautiful linear wetlands. The area is ecologically rich with a great variety of dragonflies and damselflies, butterflies and moths. Forest plants include pointed-leaf tick trefoil, American spikenard, Canadian lousewort, rattlesnake fern and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Wetland plants include bladderwort, marsh calla, swamp candles, marsh cinquefoil, swamp milkweed, greater water dock and a variety of wetland sedges. On a recent trip we encountered wood ducks, swamp sparrows, pine warblers, sapsuckers, scarlet tanager and more. We will stop for lunch by a picturesque beaver pond.
California Road is a relatively flat gravel backroad with good accessibility and sparse ATV/dirt bike traffic. Hikers should pack snacks, lunch and lots of water. We will take a lunch break mid-hike. Dress for the weather and bring sun, rain and bug protection; long pants or hiking gaiters are recommended. As always, be aware of ticks and poison ivy.
| Activity Level: | 2 – Low-Moderate  |
| Duration: | Four hours |
| Distance: | Four kilometers |
| Elevation Gain: | 40 meters |
| Price: | $40 per person |
There is no rain date and the hike will proceed as scheduled unless we experience inclement weather such as thunderstorms or high winds. If it is cancelled, you will have the option to book an alternate outing or receive a refund. Please see the Upland Booking and Cancellation Policy for details.
To start your registration, please fill out the form below. You will receive email notification when it is submitted. See under the form for more info on booking.
New clients — Buy One, Get One 50% Off the Same Hike!
How to book a hike with Upland
- Browse the hike schedule
Browse our calendar or list of events to find the location, time and adventure level that fits you. Search for your special interest, or read trip reports to see what past events were like.
- Fill in the registration form
Fill in the form on the hike listing and click Submit. We’ll send an email when your form is received. Note: Registrations are not confirmed until we receive your payment. See step 3!
- Send payment by e‑transfer
Send an e-transfer in the amount stated on the form to the address info@uplandnature.com. Please note we use Interac Autodeposit. You will receive email confirmation of payment.
Upland waiver
If you haven’t signed the Upland waiver, we’ll send you a digital copy to sign in advance. Or, you can print, sign and bring it with you to the hike. Please note: All attendees must submit a signed waiver each year in order to participate in Upland hikes.
For more information on bookings, please see the Upland Booking and Cancellation Policy.
For other questions, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.
