Riverside Parks

Chili Bar River Park

Located on Hwy 193 about 2 miles south of the Hwy 49 junction in Placerville. This park is managed and maintained by the American River Conservancy. Chili Bar River Park is the put-in for the upper section run of the river. They offer river put-in, picnic areas, and fishing. The cost is $6.00 for the 1st person and an additional $3 per person per car upon entrance to the booth. Open 8-8 daily.

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP

The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter’s sawmill is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation. The cost is $10.00 per car. The park is open daily, from 8 a.m. until sunset. Click here for the state park hiking map.

Henningsen-Lotus Park

Located on the South Fork of the American River Henningsen-Lotus Park provided a wide variety of active and passive recreational opportunities. In conjunction with the river program, the park provides a boat launch and beach area. The entrance fee is $5.00 per car plus $5.00 per raft and $1.00 per kayak. The park is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until dusk.

Dave Moore Nature Area

Located on Hwy 49 about two miles north of Coloma. Two miles of nature trail, much of it wheelchair-accessible, and a picnic area. Historic remnants from the gold rush. Walking access to a shaded swimming hole on the South Fork of the American River. Boaters may stop for picnics, but put-ins and take-outs are not allowed.

Cronan Ranch Trailhead

The Park, which borders the South Fork American River, contains 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, dog walking, and other passive recreation. Click here for the Cronan hiking map.


Photo Courtesy of Paul Cockrell Photography

Nonprofit Organizations

American River Recreation Assoc (ARRA)

American River Recreation Assoc (ARRA)

7308 Hwy 49 Ste F, Lotus, CA 95651

Since 1979 ARRA has been facilitating and promoting public river access, river use education, and recreational programs throughout the river valley

Junior Guide Raft Camp

Junior Guide Raft Camp

7310 Hwy 49, Lotus , CA 95651

An Educational non-profit summer camp providing youth aged 6-16 with river safety and rafting education. We are in our 10th year of teaching adventure, leadership, and teamwork. www.juniorguides.org 916-616-2317

Gold Discovery Park Association

Gold Discovery Park Association

PO Box 461, Coloma, CA 95613

The Gold Discovery Park Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the interpretation and conservation of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. We work to provide funding for various projects and educational programs... www.marshallgold.com 530-622-6198

Coloma Lotus Business Council

Coloma Lotus Business Council

7310 State Highway 49, Lotus, CA 95651

You’ve come to the right place for fun! The Coloma-Lotus river valley has been discovered as a perfect outdoor spot to relax and recreate. Come for the river; come for the hills and trails; come to explore the place where the Gold Rush was born! www.coloma.com (530) 285-0002

Gold Trail Grange #452

Gold Trail Grange #452

319 Hwy 49, Coloma, CA 95613

Historic building in Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Full Commercial kitchen, lighted stage and dance floor. Perfect for your wedding or event. Our hall is nestled by the river and historic Marshall Gold Discovery Park. www.goldtrailgrange.com 530-626-1194

SoFAR

SoFAR

7308 Hwy 49 Ste F, Lotus, CA 95651

501(c)3 non profit organization focused on supporting the arts and recreational opportunities in the Coloma Lotus community. so-far.org 530-303-2404

Bureau of Land Management - Mother Lode

5152 Hillsdale Cr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

916-941-3101

Henningsen Lotus Park

950 Lotus Rd,, Lotus, CA 95651

530-621-5360

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

310 Back St, Coloma, CA 95613

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP marks the spot where James Marshall discovered gold in 1848, beginning the California Gold Rush. www.marshallgold.com (530) 622-3470

American River Conservancy

Coloma, CA

The American River Conservancy protects habitat, native fisheries, scenic vistas, and recreational lands within the upper American River and Cosumnes River watersheds. To date, we have successfully protected over 27,500 acres. ARC continues to... 530-621-1224

El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce

Placerville, CA

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce helps to ensure that the business opportunities and quality of life we know today may be sustained through future generations. Please explore the wealth of information at your fingertips on our website and... (530) 621-5885

Friends of The River

Sacramento , CA

Committed to becoming a more powerful voice for a climate resilient water future in California with healthy rivers, equal access to safe and affordable drinking water, and a thriving, sustainable economy for all Californians. 916-422-3155