This park is right off Highway 49 tucked down Big Bar Road. I call it a park but not the kind with…read morea green lawn l, picnic tables, and playground. It is a day use area along the North Fork Mokelumne River in Valley Springs, CA. Another thing to note is the place is called Big Bar Launch but it is not a boat launch. Parking and use are free. There is a bathroom but I sure as heck did not use it. It is a pit vault with no sink or any source of potable water, so it is probably a good idea bring your own sanitizer if you must use the restroom. Access to the river is a short distance. The access is rocky and there is no beach like areas. Swimming is not recommended, the river currents are swift. I saw skilled rafters and kayakers on the water. When I say skilled, they were rigged up with professional gear not a $1.25 floaty. In the summer, it is hot out there with not a lot of shade along the water. There is an area that has calmer water like a creek near the bridge. I didn't stay long after a large family left, that area was a bit too remote and filled with shrubbery. I stayed more towards the river next to the parking lot. It was open and visible with more folks.

Utica is a gem of a community park in Angels Camp, CA. It's built on the site of the Utica Quartz…read moreGold Mine that operated from 1850s to WW I. In the early 1930s, the townsfolk got together to turn the old site into a community park. It's a lively gathering spot hosting the seasonal farmers market and special events. Local folks can rent the pavilion picnic are and kitchen. I love this park. But there is even more to love about this park after the recent major renovations. The entire park was closed for a few years. It opened up again last summer. It's all spiffed up. The bathrooms are now ADA compliant and the newer paved walkways are as well. The children's play area has a newer modern, safer equipment with bounce play mat and playground chips. The play area is gated which is helpful to corral the kiddos. Even adults get a play area, well it's a covered area with exercise equipment for circuit training. There is a new covered pavilion with picnic tables and bbq grills, this area can be used by reservation only. Right next to the pavilion is a new commercial grade kitchen that can be reserved along with the pavilion. In the other side of the parking lot is a basketball court (which is not new) but the three pickleball court lines are new. Next to the basketball court is an outdoor covered amphitheater stage with a natural grassy sloped lawn. This is where they have live music every Friday evening during the farmers market season. Along the far end of the park are gravel walking paths. The path has a incline and elevated at a higher level than the rest of the park. Along the path are the old mining equipment dating back to the 1800s. Neat. Also there is a memorial from the high school class of 1961 dedicated to local soldiers fallen in the Vietnam War. The machinery and memorial were previous items before the recent renovation. Another memorial is located near the playground. That memorial i no s dedicated to the 17 men that lost their lives in the 1889 Utica mining disaster. An internal avalanche occurred within the mine. As tragic as it was, more men were not hurt due to the fact they were not working full staff at the time due to doing internal structural timber improvements. The old growth sequoia trees in the middle of the grassy lawn area are a site to behold. Classic old growth beauties well maintained providing cool shade. Don't forget to check out the Mark Twain statue on the grassy lawn. If you didn't know, Mark Twain lived in the area in the late 1800s for a brief period and heard bar stories that help him create the short story of the Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. The statue is life size and was dedicated in 1944 by the Warner brothers film studio for the film premiere of the Adventures of Mark Twain. In 1957, the statue was vandalized with three frogs removed. Rumor has it that it was removed by a biker (motorcycle) gang. But recently the statue was refurbished, adding back the frogs.

Really pleasant, recently renovated neighborhood park! We walked here but there seems to be plenty…read moreof parking, updated restroom facilities, picnic tables, play structures, as well as grassy fields for sitting or playing. Loved the variety of play structures for kids (and adults) of all ages, including chime-based structures to hit with a mallet, a carousel, swings, slides and exercise activities for adults too. Everything seemed in good condition, clean, and safe.

My family and I were early to check in into our bnb so we decided to take our kids to the park…read more Mixed review with this park. I do like how it has bathrooms. Always a plus for me. Plenty of parking , places to sit, and shade. I think the park needs fixing up as some of the items are damaged so that's a safety concern. Some of the play structure like the swinging monkey bars and the one where you hang on a glide across is too tall for children to reach. It would be great if it was lowered to the children could reach it. It was an okay park.

This playground really needs some attention. I was there yesterday and it's not looking good. I…read morewill not be bringing my granddaughter to this park anymore and I advise everybody to stay clear of this place. There are too many dangers and sharp screws protruding out. It's not good. It needs attention right now.

Great place to inner tube down the river. Why do reviews have to be 85 words... who put the English…read moreteacher in charge... what am I writing an essay?

This is such a beautiful hike to hear the waterfall to see the beautiful mountains. Nature, I'll…read morekeep doing it again and again.

I went here on a weekday, and when I arrived in the parking lot, I was shocked by how much was…read moregoing on. It definitely did not feel like a safe place to leave a car or to walk alone. There appeared to be drug activity, and there were people living in their cars. It felt more like a place for people to hang out and purchase drugs than a normal parking lot. I observed this as I drove through, which was very concerning. This was a bummer, especially since the trail itself looked beautiful. I'm surprised that law enforcement hasn't been called by the neighborhood, but then again, I understand that people can sometimes become used to these conditions.

We always love hiking here. It's easy to hike with kids, even though it can get a little rocky and…read morea little muddy. The cave is always beautiful, especially when the water is flowing. Today, there are still descent of people hiking, and we came around 12:30 Easy Hike!Gonna come back again soon. P. S please leave no trace

Minnie Provis Park is a 2.5 acre community park in Sutter Creek, CA. It is in the downtown area. I…read morestumbled upon this while looking for public parking lot. I found two parking lots and side street parking off Church Street and Old Route 49. But lets talk about the park. Community gem. The park has a little league ball park, green grass, children's play area (which face Church Street), and creek access with picnic tables and bbqs. The parking lot behind City Hall is next to the creek access and has public restrooms. The creek access is neat. There is a pedestrian walking bridge that leads towards Eureka Street. Right now the water levels are flowing slightly more than a trickle. Folks (well mainly kiddos throwing caution to the wind) were wading into the pebbly creek bed in the ankle deep water. The water levels will drop more as we progress into summer. Just throwing that out there because this is not a swimming or sunbathing spot.

Sweet little park in Sutter creek. Just loved that there were tables in the shade where littles…read morecould play , dogs take a rest and coffee near by in quaint Sutter creek. Clean! Ez parking and perfect for an hour get together on a no ball games day

White Pines exploring this weekend was insane. My daughter and I had a blast riding some of the…read morefire roads with unreal views. There's miles of roads and trails everywhere that lead down to the river. Super chill people out and about enjoying the weather. Will definitely be back next time in Arnold.

Came up here for 4th of July weekend, and what a cool little gem it is! Lots of nice beach area,…read morehiking, frisbee golf, fishing, and just general fun on the lake with swimming, inflatables, etc. I totally recommend! :)