SUV OWNERS INVITED TO RELIVE THE PAST DURING
9TH ANNUAL LASSEN-APPLEGATE EMIGRANT TRAIL RIDE
Friday, July 18 through Monday, July 21, 2003
SACRAMENTO (April 15, 2003) – Imagine
you and your family driving your sport utility vehicle over the same roads and trails traveled by more than 8,000 early pioneers
in 1,500 covered wagons during the 1849 to 1852 gold rush period.
The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs can make that dream come true as it has announced its 9th
annual Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride will be held this year from Friday evening, July 18 through Monday, July 21, taking
participants from Lovelock, Nevada to Surprise Valley, California, located near Cedarville in northern Modoc County.
"This is a 250-mile journey into yesteryear and we have designed the trip especially for SUV and other four-wheel drive
families," said Warner Anderson of Auburn, who serves as trail boss and narrator for the tour. "Whether you are a history
buff, like myself, or just want to take your family out into the backcountry and enjoy some beautiful scenery, we will have
it all."
According to Anderson, this trip follows the same route discovered by Peter Lassen in 1849. Anderson said an estimated
one-third of the 1849 gold rush emigrants used this particular trail.
This year’s trail ride participants will gather at the Ramada Inn in Lovelock for a wine and cheese get-together
at 7:30 p.m., Friday evening, July 18. At that time, Anderson will provide his guests with an overview of the trip and each
vehicle owner will receive a copy of a book entitled "Trails West."
After breakfast on Saturday, the group will begin its journey across the Humboldt River, past a pioneer graveyard, through
Rabbit Hole Springs and camping that evening will be at Double Hot Springs. Sunday’s itinerary will include stops at
the site where Peter Lassen was murdered, Soldier Meadow Ranch, High Rock Canyon and finally to Stevens Camp for the evening.
Stevens Camp, discovered by Captain John Fremont during his exploration to the West, offers toilets, spring water and possible
hot showers.
On Monday, the final day of the tour, the contingent will climb over the 49er Pass, where participants will have an opportunity
to enjoy a panoramic view looking back east from atop a high mountain ridge.
"The emigrants wrote in their diaries such good descriptions of their journey that we can identify all of the key points
of interest in the history of this route," Anderson said. "It is not a difficult trip, but there are a few places where four-wheel
drive will be required or where our trail committee instructions must be followed."
Cost for the trip is $250 per adult and $125 for children age 11 and under. The cost includes all meals from breakfast
on Saturday through lunch on Monday. In addition to bringing their own tent and sleeping bags, participants are encouraged
to bring a citizens band (CB) radio, camera, folding chairs, trail snacks, refreshments and drinking water.
"I organize and narrate four-wheel drive tours throughout the year," Anderson said, "but clearly, this trip is my favorite.
It is one thing to read about John C. Fremont and Kit Carson traveling this same route, but it gives new meaning when you
can be there in person and let your imagination run wild."
The Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride is fully insured and operates under a permit from the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM). Proceeds from the event help support the four-wheel drive association’s conservation and education foundation.
The trip is limited to 25 vehicles on a first-registered, first-served basis. For more information or to reserve space
on this exciting adventure, contact Warner Anderson at e-mail: vance@intercomm.com
