Me being of Japanese decent, I felt the need to visit Wakamatsu Tea and Silkworm Colony Farm in…read morePlacerville, and to pay my respect to all the courageous men and women whom traveled thousands of miles to a foreign land (America) for a dream of a better life. There are no words that can express my heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices and hardship the " Isei " (First Generation ) must have gone through ! They paved the way for people like both of my grandfathers whom came to the United States in 1906. On May 20th, 1869 a group of 22 samurais and one women arrived in San Francisco on board the SS China with 50,000 (Mulberry Trees) (Silk worm cocoons) (tea plants and seeds) ( cooking utensils) and (swords). Thus the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Farm was established on 160 acres in Gold Hill Placerville on June 8th, 1869. The life of the colony was short lived (1869 -1871) due to inadequate funding and a severe drought in 1871. Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony was considered to be the first Japanese Settlement in North America. In 1969 Ronald Reagan (governor at the time) proclaimed the colony to be a California Historic Landmark No. 815. The land is currently owned and operated by the American River Conservancy. The farm is on private property, so visitations can only be made by arranging a private tours, attending certain festivals on the property or schdueled events. Next year (2019) marks its 150th anniversary celebration !!! See web site for more details. Thanks for reading !

Have been to a couple of American River Conservancy events at Wakamatsu Farm. Such an historic &…read moreinteresting place. The volunteers & teachers are impressive. It is always an interesting & enjoyable experience in a beautiful setting.

Auburn is a great community. I was born here, but lived in the Bay Area most of my life…read more I've been back in Placer County since around 2009. I would say it's not easy or simple to find a job and place to live here, everybody who knows anything knows this is the town to be in. I care about our community, we all look out for each other. Our local Sheriff is top notch. So proud to live and work around these men and women. Also Auburn Police are pretty bomb, too. Once you visit you're not going to want to leave. And, go Placer County Hillmen!

From my separate City of Auburn review:…read more Auburn is an attractive city, especially Old Town Auburn, which attracts passersby on the highway between Reno and Sacramento with the quaint architecture on a hill flanked by a giant sculpture. Its small-town charm is likely why movies like Rocky and Bullwinkle, Breakdown, Wisdom, and xXx had scenes shot here, but the town relates most to the 1996 John Travolta movie Phinome Phenomin Phenomm Look Who's Talking. The guy who discovered gold here in 1849 was memorialized by Ken Fox with a 45-ton concrete (rebar and wire mesh) statue at the entrance of Old Town. Ken Fox was a dentist able to do this in between teeth cleanings and forcing customers to look at super close-up pictures of their teeth in order to sell "special deep teeth cleaning" by the quadrant. This dentist has more "Great Statues" in the area which you'd likely find ful-"filling". Get it? Anyway, it's right off the highway, so stop there and check out Old Town. (Check my reviews on Edelweis 2 and the California Club)

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

Came here for a hike and an intimate view of this awe inspiring bridge. Found a loop hike that…read morestarts at the bottom of the valley where the North Fork American River winds around. It starts with a hard and steep climb. The Foresthill Bridge is California's highest bridge, which is some 730 feet above the bottom. The Golden Gate is only 220 feet from the water, so use that for reference. This stretch of the hike is difficult cuz you do have to climb that 700+ feet, and it is not gradual with gentle switchbacks. It is almost straight up for over 40 minutes. I found it even harder during the summer months in Auburn, where it can soar easily past the 80 degree mark, also with little shade. I had to break several times to rehydrate and get my breath back. This was harder than most climbs I attempt. The good is the length isn't that long. I've climbed many peaks some even double this length, but those were more gradual. This was fast and furious, done in less than an hour with lots of sweat. But when that initial climb is done, it is all views and a breeze from there on out. Once on top, you'll meet the highway that crosses the bridge. There is a pedestrian path, so you're nice and safe from zooming traffic. Now you can cross and look down if you dare, into the gorge. It is a thrilling look as now you'll feel the breeze and the glimpses only an eagle would experience. There will be a sad reminder though as you're crossing the bridge. Once you hit the middle of the bridge, you'll start to see handwritten cards taped to the bars of the bridge. It appears to be children or young teens, writing hand messages of encouragement, for people having a plan to commit suicide from those heights. It is sad yet inspiring to see those messages, very humanizing. Once you've crossed the bridge, it is all down hill back to the river. Again no shade but so much easier and faster than the way up. Like with most incline hikes I choose, I always choose to climb first and descend last. It's a solid work/reward progression. This is a gleaming example. Once back down to the river, I'd advise to explore a little down by the water. It was so hot the day I went, that I took off my shoes and waded in that ice cold water. It's a little tricky stepping onto the river stones so I didn't go too far out. Literally just enough to cool off, splashing that refreshing water onto my head and shoulders. It was so hot, that I dried up in no time, without a towel. Awesome end to a hard hike, with breathtaking views. No regrets here.

If you are ever in the area, be sure to check out one of the tallest bridges in the US. Sweeping…read moreviews and amazing architecture. You can drive walk or bike across. Super close to the Clementine Dam lookout if you want another "instagram " photo op.

Fantastic old building from 1859. One of the reasons a quick walk-through placerville is well worth…read moreyour time. I guess the company hangtown leathers now occupies the building.

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/.

Nice attraction while you are walking around lake Natomis. You can't walk across this bridge, but…read moreyou can get a good view of it.

Celebrating Rainbow bridge 80th birthday. With a drone show! Very cool it's dark out so hard to…read moreget good photos.

This event was a type of searching for spirits, a ghost hunt event. As simple as it was it was also…read morea great experience a bit complex as well but also the environment really made it. The castle itself is historic with some insanely horrific history to it. I'm not going to say much more it's a great experience. The castle does all different types of events throughout the year, they're most popular is the haunt during Halloween season or throughout October. I went one year it was pretty amazing. My family has gone a few times and loved it. Look forward to this year!! Get your tickets quick because it sells out fast.

Came here for the haunted house event about a week ago and I'm not sure if I would come back again…read more Tickets were $35 each (purchased online) and you have to park and walk about 10-15 minutes to the castle or you can take the little van that drives you there which also takes the same amount of time. We took the van to the castle but they don't drop you off directly in front of the castle so you still have to walk down through security and then to the castle. Porte potty's are available right before security and once you walk up the hill to wait in line to enter the castle. There were a couple food trucks when we went, we were expecting a few based on what was said online but not sure if it depends on the time. We waited over an hour in line to enter the haunted house and if you do really believe in ghosts this place is pretty haunted. The event itself wasn't scary, the actors aren't able to touch you but there's obviously loud screaming and they may be a bit too close for comfort to get a reaction out of you. You do have to climb up and down quite a few stairs and then there's a second part lead outside and back in the castle (barely any lighting and it's a dirt road so you have to carefully walk). Many strobing lights as well so do avoid if you are triggered by that. The energy throughout the castle was not pleasant or welcoming, I was very excited for it to be over as the haunted house itself was not very good and I was mostly tired from all the walking. There's a merch truck outside at the end of the castle as well. We also decided to walk back instead of waiting for the shuttle but there absolutely no lighting and many ditches with uneven flooring so you have to be very careful. Overall experience was not my favorite and I wouldn't come back again.

The Donner Pass Railroad Tunnel Hike was one of the reasons for our trip to the area. My boyfriend…read morehad always wanted to check out the Donner Petroglyphs, and I stumbled across the rail tunnels when looking for things to do while in the area. We parked at the Donner Ski Summit - if you are looking to check out this hike, that is the best place to park and access the start of the tunnels. I truly enjoyed this hike, but was ill prepared. I was fully committed once we were in the tunnels & I should have went back to the car and swapped my "barefoot" style shoes for my hiking boots. The large chunk gravel path killed my feet with the thin soles of the shoes I wore. We hiked through about 5-6 tunnels before heading back. We did a total of 6 miles in and back. There were alot of beautiful street art within the tunnels, we found 19 cave ghosts along the trail as well as some other reoccurring variations of different items over the course of the trail. I would like to eventually take the trail past the last tunnel and to the next set of tunnels some day. This is a trail we would do again next time we are in the area. Though the weather was nice, we both wore hooded sweatshirts as the are in the tunnels got quite chilly. If you plan on checking these trails out, take well charged flashlights or head lights with extra batteries. The tunnels can be PITCH Black when you are in the heart of them. Overall this was a really cool thing to see and I would love to do it again with the correct shoes!

We had out of town family in town last week and we made it back to the Donner (Railroad) Tunnels. I…read morelove the tunnels! It's SO beautiful. And as it was a railroad, it's level and easy, and as it's in the tunnels, you're mostly protected from the weather. Bring good trail walking shoes and a flashlight. (And park across from the Donner Ski Ranch.)

September 23. 2021…read more Wow now one thousand of any updates. Previous has seventeen votes and has sixteen previous votes. It is a clock. Twenty four hours. Not sure of night hours but day hours will chime on the hour, so nine times for nine am, ten times for ten am, so forth. There been different activities to commerate. As example there been commemorations for Veterans Day, for the Pearl Harbor Day, for the mark of Nine Eleven. There were many USA flags from least September 9, 2021 to least September 19, 2021. One flag for each "HERO" killed in the tragedy. Wow, nice park.