About 70 percent of Coloma lies within the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park. Tourists and many of the 200 residents consider Coloma the Park. Several historic buildings date back to the Gold Rush era and several of those are still in use as interpretive and commercial ventures.
Walking tours are available in season. During commemorative events, docents dress in period costumes.
The modern rush is the feeling that thousands of whitewater enthusiasts and weekend wanabies seek floating the South Fork of the American River.
You can even be married in one of the two historic churches.
The sawmill that James Marshall was building for Captain John Sutter when Marshall discovered gold has been reconstructed as an interpretive site. His discovery profoundly affected the history of the West, and California rapidly emerged as a state shortly afterward. California’s momentum hasn’t slowed down much since then.
The museum is a must stop. Walking tours are available in season. During commemorative events, docents dress in period costumes.
Some great dining, drinking, camping “resorts” and B&B sleeping options are located near the outskirts of the Park.
The James Marshall Monument Loop Trail offers a pleasant, and at times strenuous, mile and a half hike. The trail leads by Nisenan mortar holes worn in the rock when the women ground acorns into a floury pulp. The trail also leads by Marshall’s cabin and other historic structures.
The modern rush is the feeling that thousands of whitewater enthusiasts and weekend wanabies seek floating the South Fork of the American River. More adventure seekers float the river than any other in California. Several whitewater guides have base camps strung along the river near Coloma. The area offers the most popular put-in and take-out points along the river, which allows for run options of a few hours or a couple of days. Summer rafting draws the largest crowd, but kayakers can be found bobbing and bombing down the river practically year-round.
Full boater access has been developed at the Henningsen Lotus County Park, which is located on the Lotus Road ¾ mile downriver from Highway 49. Picnic Tables, restrooms, soccer field, and playground are located here. There’s a modest parking fee. (530) 621-5353.
Two miles downriver (north) of Coloma is the Dave Moore Nature Area. Access for picnicking, hiking and swimming is designed for non-floaters, although boaters can picnic at the site.
| Population: | 200 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.eldoradocounty.org Community: www.colomalotus.com Visitor Center: www.visit-elorado.com |
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Coloma sits on Highway 49 about 18 miles south of Auburn or 10 miles north of Placerville.