The Water is Flowing and Your Shuttle Awaits!

If you are ready for some fun whitewater rafting or kayaking, come to Coloma. The South Fork American River has guaranteed flows most days out of the week, and the Middle and North Forks are great options too! We have many outfitters equipped to take you and your group on a rafting trip that is right for you, from gentle to wild. See our Whitewater Rafting Directory for a list of licensed and experienced whitewater outfitters.

This is also a great place to learn and build whitewater kayak skills, and you can choose from several kayak schools in the area.

Even better, the River Store Shuttle is running for its second season. Leave the headaches behind and spend all your energy riding the river, not the roads!

Enjoy lots of fun on the water at the American River Festival September 11-13. It's a good time for kids and families as well as whitewater playboaters and slalom racing competitors. The weekend also offers great music, food, and a chance to check out all the latest gear. Come to Coloma-Lotus and enjoy!

p.s. Thanks to Hotshot Imaging for letting us use another of their great American River rafting photos!

American River Music Festival a Success

A two day musical extravaganza took place on the banks of the South Fork American River, Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23rd. The main stage was at Henningsen Lotus Park, with camping at American River Resort, Camp Lotus and Earthtrek. Those who attended said the event was very well organized, the music terrific, the artists fabulous, and the location great. Lori Norris, attending the event with her extended family from Sacramento, commented, "We had the most wonderful weekend." About 100 volunteers came together to create the event, even though they were challenged by rainy weather. For details about next year's event, go to http://www.americanrivermusic.org/.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Wins Silver

We recently learned that our local Gold Hill Olive Oil Company came home from the prestigious Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival with a Silver Certificate for their 2006 "Gold Hill Estate" blend. This specialty combines Frantoio, Leccino, Lucca and San Felice varieties—all Italian olives—for a Tuscan-style taste.

Gold Hill crushed their extra virgin olive oils for 2007 in November of 2006. Their fresh and hearty "Achille's Blend," made of five different Italian olives, is a robust extra virgin with a strong pepper finish. If you are looking for a California-grown product, consider their "Tuscan Blend," pressed from olives grown in the foothills near Jackson, California.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Company is located a few miles from Coloma at 5601 Gold Hill Road (between Cold Springs and Lotus Roads). Their historic tasting room offers a wide variety of exceptional extra virgin olive oils, including their award-winning "Gold Hill Estate" blend. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday.