Like the nuggets that started the rush to Placer County, Gold Country's historical treasures are scattered on the surface of its gently rolling foothills. From Auburn's 1894 courthouse and Dutch Flat's historic main street to the weather-worn miners' shacks at Yankee Jim's, old time buildings tell tales of rags to riches.
Gold Country Sightseeing
Gold Country sightseeing centers around its architectural souvenirs from the past. Auburn provides the richest lode, with 26 historic points of interest – such as the Hop Sing Laundry, California's oldest operating post office, the picturesque red and white firehouse and the 1887 Brye Mansion – on its walking tour (maps available at the Placer County Visitors Information Center in Newcastle). The shops housed in many of the old buildings are great places to look for quilts, antiques and and books.
Other Auburn attractions include the restored Bernhard House and Winery; Placer County Museum with its displays of gold nuggets and mining equipment, and Gallery One, exhibiting original artwork by members of the Placer Art League.
Old Buildings in Colfax now are Shops
More history waits at Colfax, where the weathered buildings of the old fruit exchange now house restaurants and shops. Both the business district and homes in the central area reflect the days when gold and railroading were the area's economic mainstays.
It’s a good idea to reserve some time for exploring the smaller towns, too. Dutch Flat, for example, was one of Placer County's most important settlements in the 1860s, with seven grocery stores, 17 saloons, three blacksmith shops and even an opera house. Today, it's a stone wall and picket fence gem with original buildings -- spruced up and otherwise restored --flanking the main street.
Another good place to poke around is Gold Run, with its old hydraulic diggings. Foresthill is still a lumbering center , although on a smaller scale than in the 1860s,.
Nearby, the view from the parking area at the end of the Auburn-Foresthill bridge spanning the American River is one that shouldn’t be missed.
As far as accommodations are concerned, luxury motels, bed and breakfasts and primitive campgrounds promise choices to fit every budget and lifestyle. Gold Country's
dining menu is equally varied, running the gastronomic gamut from veal cordon bleu and BBQ ribs to European-style pastries and drive-thru food.
Watersports and Hiking are Popular Area Activities
Rollins Lake is the largest water-sports playground in Gold Country. The irregular shape of the lake, with coves and inlets galore, means it's ideal for houseboating and canoeing as well as sailing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing and water skiing.
Running into the lake is the Bear River -- great fun for tubing from the campground off Plum Tree Road to the bridge at Dog Bar Road. It's an exciting river, too, for catching German browns, bluegill, Sacramento pike and small mouth bass. Many of the commercial rafting companies start their tours down the North Fork of the American River.from the Iowa Hill Bridge area.
For hikers, one of the favorite trails leading down to the river is the Stevens Creek Trail (trail information is available at local sporting goods stores). There area also miles of hiking and equestrian trails in the Foresthill Divide area. Several of the smaller lakes are of the hike-in variety, but others --like Lake Clementine --are accessible by car.
Other Activities Include Ball Games and Gold Panning
Watersports aren’t the area’s only diversions. From an 18-hole golf course to horseshoe pits, raquetball courts, ball fields and community swimming pools, the area's recreation facilities offer chances for all sorts of exercise.
Also in the Foresthill Divide area a number of “cut-your own” Christmas tree farms provide holiday fun. And just off Sugar Pine Road is a paradise for rockhounds, offering a variety of rocks and minerals such as jasper, magnesite and white quartz. All a contemporary prospector needs to become part of the quest for gold a gold pan and a few simple tools. Gold Country mining supply stores are the places to go for those tools as well as basic instructions on where to go and what to do. It's great adventure that keeps kids occupied for hours. Also great for big kids
Connie Emerson - Ever since I can remember, going places and seeing new sights has intrigued me. A robin drinking from a puddle after a springtime Paris ...
