Old Bear River Bridge, also called, "Bear River Historic Bridge," is located near Colfax, CA. The…read morebridge is located next to a taller and more modern bridge that is part of Route 174. This pair of bridges is about two miles to the north of Route 80. From Colfax, take Route 174 (also called, Colfax Highway) to the north. Route 174 crosses over a modern bridge, and once you've crossed this modern bridge you will find a turn-off that brings you into a dirt parking lot. Park your car in this lot. At one end of this parking lot is a stone monument with a plaque on it. Just beyond this stone monument is the north side of Old Bear River Bridge. The bridge is great for pedestrians, and vistors can gaze at the rushing waters arriving from Lake Rollins to the east. Visitors can also gaze at the waters rushing to the west and tumbling over boulders in the Bear River. Bear River continues for about nine miles until it reaches Lake Combie. The plaque has the following paragraph of writing on it: "OLD BEAR RIVER BRIDGE. Since 1852 bridges near this site have served as the gateway to western Nevada County. This 1924 span was the first concrete bridge at this site and features a Roman style single arch design, constructed in a continuous pour method. The Colfax Highway Association led a citizens group that saved the bridge from the wrecker's ball in 1986, and placed this monument in 1992." The pedestrian walkway on Old Bear River Bridge is about 20 feet lower down than Route 174, which crosses over the modern bridge. Because Old Bear River Bridge is lower, the modern bridge does not obscure the views to the west. An interesting sight from the southern end of Old Bear River Bridge is an aqueduct. This aqueduct is built on a hill rising from the southern banks of Bear River. Regarding the northern bank of Bear River, what is found here is a hiking trail that follows the river and takes you in a westerly direction. The trailhead is located near the stone monument (mentioned above), and the trail first takes you under the modern bridge, and then into a forest. I took this trail for about 20 minutes through the forest. From this trail, you are rewarded with occasional views of the Bear River below. Also, from this trail that are several small dirt trails that branch off from the main trail and lead you along a 50-foot descent down to the river's edge. ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPHS. 1. Plaque installed at north side of Old Bear River Bridge. 2. View downstream of Old Bear River Bridge, showing that the modern bridge is about 20 feet higher up than Old Bear River Bridge. 3. View of most of Old Bear River Bridge. I took this photograph from the trail that passes under the modern bridge (and under Route 174). 4. Aqueduct that is visible from the southern end of Old Bear River Bridge. 5. Looking east from Old Bear River Bridge. You can see little waterfalls. 6. Looking west from Old Bear River Bridge. From this vantage spot, you can see little waterfalls. 7. View of the dirt trail, showing a hiker wearing an orange backpack. 8. View of Bear River from the dirt trail.

The view of the river from the bridge is very nice, but unfortunately there is a lot of trash and…read moregraffiti which spoil the experience. We did not walk the trail, so maybe if you do that and get away from the parking area and bridges it is better.

The Loomis Train Depot is adorably decorated for Christmas. The Loomis Family Christmas Tree and…read morefestive Xmas themed photo cutouts of Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, and gingerbread people make for merry and bright holiday pictures. Tip: If you are at the counter of Taylors diner when a train whistles, you can get a free Kids Cone of soft serve ice cream.

Railroad history is a vibrant part of Placer County and the surrounding gold country towns. I grew…read moreup in Auburn, which has train tracks running all throughout it. I spent a lot of my childhood at my Grandma's house in Loomis, scurrying to the top of the playset to watch as trains flew past. I loved falling asleep to the gentle sounds of steel wheels hitting train tracks as a kid, and now that I live in midtown Sacramento, I still get to hear it, and it makes me happy. I'll stop being a Sheldon Cooper, and get on with it. Although trains have not stopped here for many years, the Loomis Train Depot has recently been restored to its former glory as a historical point of interest train station in the heart of the town of Loomis. You can't miss it. Just follow Horseshoe Bar Road from the Loomis exit off of I-80, past Taylor Road, until it dead ends at Blue Anchor Park, behind Taylor's, where you should also stop for a Golden Eagle Shake. GO DOHS! It is currently the site of town hall meetings, and inside you'll find a gavel and courtroom style chair set up along with a small train museum for enthusiasts. It's also an awesome venue for a small party or in this month's case, a bridal shower. There are plenty of chairs, tables, and a kitchen complete with sink, trash cans, microwave and fridge. I liked this location as a venue so much that I have my eye on it for the future. Folks wanting to reserve this space should contact that business number listed, or check out the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Loomis-Train-Depot-130172910379866/.

1/5/2019: I wrote several reviews for James Marshall Monument and Coloma State Park; however, all…read moremy reviews mysteriously disappeared! Yah~YELP! Where ARE my reviews, eh? July 17, 2026: THEREFORE, I searched ALL the YELP! photos I posted: I found a few photos dated 1/5/2019 as PROOF I did write my reviews for both locations. Disappointingly, ALL my photos AND reviews for James Marshall's Monument and Coloma State Park's 1800's Gold Rush Community Event MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEARED AFTER 2019! UNHAPPY! Since and AFTER 2019 to present date--July 18, 2026, I have returned exploring James Marshall's Monument--countless times--reminiscing my US Army friend's Military funeral presided at James Marshall's Monument, used the clean restrooms countless times traversing from Placerville to Beal's AFB /Marysville CA via Highway 49, visited James Marshall's humble abode, checked both St. John's Catholic Church and Emmanuel Church construction completion updates, skulked Sutter's Mill, gold panning the American River, hiked along the American River, sent snail mail from the Coloma Post Office, ate at my friend, Noah's Argonaut Cafe, and hiked the trails, too! BTW: Coloma CA is ONLY seven miles from my humble abode, i.e., this is THE CLOSEST State Park from my house. Finally, I just wish, Coloma State Park had a cool, State Park Campground because I would use my 100% Service-Connected Veteran's Distinguished Park Pass more often which equates as FREE CAMPING and NO FEE State Park Entrance! Besides, exploring Coloma State Park, I guess driving to Folsom Lake's Rattlesnake Bar Campground via Cool CA would be the closest State Park Campground from my humble abode which I have camped a few times in the past. Aside, the town of Coloma CA, Coloma State Park, James Marshall's Monument, dipping my toes in the American River, and all the buildings truly emulate the Wild, Wild 1848's Gold Rush Hey Day which is quite the juxtaposition from modern-day City Of Placerville CA located just eight miles down the road from Coloma CA due South via Highway 49.

This was such a great stop on our camping trip. The local history is interesting the local cafe was…read moreamazing and learning a little bit about the area was fun. Def recommend. Parking is $10

We stopped by Auburn's Historic Old Town, where a frown…read moreturns upside down. It is a cool place to stroll, dine, and shop. Once you start, you can't stop. Beer, wine, and coffee from The Pour Choice There's Kombucha, too - let us rejoice! You'll feel at home at Old Town Pizza. An arcade for children... Hurrah! There's also Liu Mandarine Kitchen if authentic Chinese is what you fien. Of course, there are a lot more places to eat and drink. It's up to you to choose, not your shrink! There are many trinkets and gadgets to buy, and it's still fun to see when your wallet is dry. This old town is cute and small. It sure is more fun than an indoor mall.

Just driving though Eldorado County and saw this gem! You go through it fairly quickly. It was…read morekinda hot in Cool today.

Mt. Murphy Road Bridge - narrow bridge located at the Coloma Historical town. Watch out for cars…read morewhen you're at the bridge, The view from the bridge is stunning.

This historic one lane truss bridge was built in 1915 and is located in Coloma - Lotus, Eldorado…read moreCounty, California. It crosses over the South Fork of the American River, connecting Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park with Mount Murphy. Many bridges have come and gone at this location. The first foot bridge was built by Jim Stephens in 1849. A short time later Edward Raun constructed a wagon bridge. In 1852 California's first covered bridge was built at the site of the current structure. I was sad to learn that current studies of the bridge found the bridge to be structurally deficient and beyond repair. Plans to build a new bridge are in the works. I feel blessed to have walked across this bridge with my bestie today. It may be our one and only time ! Thanks for reading ! Live/Love/Travel !

Don't waste your time. This Dusty old place is only open 12 to 4 Tuesday thru Friday. I came once…read moreduring the Placer Heritage Trails annual all-day open house, and the lady that was staffing sent her man over to tell me to leave with an hour to go because they were tired of being there!! I don't plan to ever go back. P.S.- Go to the much better Telephone Museum, Maidu Museum, or Sierra College's Natural History Museum.

The railroad history portion of the museum is nice and has a logical order. The remainder of the…read moremuseum seems choppy and has a few items like a captured Nazi flag that only belong in museums though it may be an unpleasant surprise to some. The staff are helpful.

Folsom Dam is a huge 340 foot tall dam in Folsom, California. For some dam perspective, that's…read moreabout half as tall as Hoover Dam. The main structure is about 1400 feet wide, but it has flanks and walls that extend out for about nine miles. The North and South Forks of the American River converge upstream of the dam, creating the reservoir known as Folsom Lake. There are five full spillways and three shorter spillways on the main dam structure, although I don't think I've ever seen any of the smaller spillways used. The most likely time to see any of the spillways open is just before or after a heavy storm in late winter or early spring. In 2017, a new, 3,000 foot long auxiliary spillway was opened adjacent to the original dam structure. This took several years to construct, and significantly improved flood control downstream of the dam. It's easy to see Folsom Dam from the nearby road, Folsom Lake Crossing, but it's hard to get a great view while driving. The best way to really see the dam is from the American River Bike Trail, which has a pedestrian crossing to the businesses on the corner of Folsom Blvd and Folsom Lake Crossing. One way to see the dam without having to hike or cycle very far is to grab some coffee (or hot chocolate) at nearby Folsom Grind, and cross the street to the bike trail from there. The walk to the first viewpoint is less than half a mile away. The auxiliary spillway is practically impossible to see while driving, but the view from the bike trail is spectacular. The whole 3000 foot long concrete spillway runs parallel to the trail. There is actually a road on top of Folsom Dam (Folsom Dam Road), and it used to be possible to drive across it. Back when I was in high school, I remember driving over it with my mom and sister all the time. The road is so narrow, and it feels like it's a mile high in the air. Following 9/11, the dam road was closed due to security concerns, and the nearby Folsom Lake Crossing was built to replace it. Folsom Lake Crossing feels a lot safer to drive across, in my opinion, because it is so much wider, and lower. I love the dedicated bike lanes, and use them very frequently. The ride across is tough, but is only about 2 miles each way. Still, I wonder what it would be like to ride my bike across Folsom Dam Road. Would it be terrifying, or amazing? It would be so cool if the city would open the dam road up a few days per year so that people could do that again. Anyway, the best thing about Folsom Dam is that it keeps Folsom and Sacramento from being completely flooded every year. According to the Parks and Rec website, the dam has prevented many billions of dollars in flood damages.