South Fork American River Trail Nears Completion

Imagine being able to travel on foot, bicycle or horse from the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area all the way to the rural beauty of the South Fork American River in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. Imagine doing so on a trail dedicated to recreation and the enjoyment of oak woodlands, conifer, chaparral, and the riverside.

That long-held hope is now on its way to being a reality. The final land parcel that completes the 20-mile route (see a PDF map) was sold by a couple who decided to protect its natural habitat for the public to enjoy. Funds that purchased it were provided by the State Wildlife Conservation Board, the State Resources Agency's River Parkways Grant Program, and over 400 private donors. All this, plus the work that had been done on the rest of the trail route, was coordinated by the American River Conservancy (ARC).

The 20-mile trail has been 20 years in the making. Its completion is a source of great excitement for those who have been hoping and working for it since 1989, as well as the many who have come along since then and enjoy the prospect of traveling so far in the richness of nature in their own back yards.

Funds are still needed to bring the trail into reality. The ARC estimates it will cost $175K to complete trail construction and provide a few pedestrian bridges at stream crossings and interpretive signage at the trailheads. The official ribbon cutting is planned for the late spring of 2010. Contributions to the South Fork American River Trail Campaign can be sent to: The American River Conservancy, P.O. Box 562, Coloma, CA. 95613. For further information regarding trail project donations, please contact: David Morrill, ARC Marketing and Development Director at (530) 621-1224.

The completion of the South Fork American River Trail brings an even greater dream closer to reality. With regional coordination, it could become a key segment within a larger regional trail that would span the approximately 50 miles from downtown Sacramento (Sutter’s Fort) to Coloma (Sutter’s Mill). Parcel by parcel, this dream is moving to reality.

Fall and Winter Delights in the Valley

Below the Snow & Above the Fog: A Year-Round Playground

Shhh! Maybe the great year-round climate should be kept a secret, but the news about the fine weather is too good not to pass on. Now that the summer whitewater rafting & kayaking season has peaked, the equipment is tucked into storage and guides head back to college, Costa Rica or other destinations, locals relish what many consider the finest times of the year.

As temperatures cool, the lucky Coloma-Lotus valley residents who remain here, along with savvy campers and RVers, find plenty to do. Hiking, bicycling and other land activities become more attractive. Fall colors peak in October and November, when black oak forests and riverside cottonwoods blaze with orange and yellow. Savvy visitors love this time, often fitting in a visit to the valley with a trip to Apple Hill, local ranches, and wineries — all of which beckon with great savory attractions.

Winter, with its gentle, life-giving rains, is a time for indoor holiday activities, such as Christmas in Coloma, winter winery events, and local business open houses. In January, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park celebrates the anniversary of the first California gold discovery. See our calendar for more local events.

Any long-time resident of the valley has heard this question from outsiders: "How much snow did you get this year?" and that local resident will give the usual answer: None. Very occasionally the valley will receive several inches of snow, to the delight of local children. However, we're at a surprisingly low elevation — the river is at about 700 to 750 feet above sea level. Even that slight elevation, however, is enough to protect the valley from the dreary tule fog that plagues the Central Valley. So winters here are delightful, typically characterized by winter rains, frosty mornings and localized river mists that dissipate as the sun rises. For more information, forecasts, and links to road conditions, visit our Weather page.

Do come to Coloma-Lotus year-round for gorgeous natural beauty, delectable agricultural and culinary offerings, as well as our arts, history, and culture. Many restaurants, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and other lodgings are available year-round and generally are uncrowded. The B&Bs are beautifully decorated for the holidays. You're welcome to visit, and enjoy, any time!

Adapted from an article by Betty Sederquist. Photos (top to bottom) copyright © Mark Leder-Adams, Donna McMaster, and Betty Sederquist.