Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SUCTION DREDGING FOR GOLD
Floating down Gold Country's waterways, you may see someone trying to strike it rich
with a suction dredge - a vacuum that sucks up the river bed and the gold in it. This
method of prospecting was banned in California in 2009 for its destructive side effects,
including disturbing riparian habitat and stirring up toxic quicksilver, the mercury that the
forty-niners used to extract gold from ore.
Auburn State Recreation Area
cut by the rushing waters of the North and Middle Forks of the American River that con-
verge below a bridge on Hwy 49, about 4 miles south of Auburn. In the early spring, when
waters are high, this is immensely popular for white-water rafting, as the rivers are class II
to V runs. Late summer, calmer waters allow for sunning and swimming, especially
around the confluence. Numerous trails are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horses.
Activities
One of the most popular hikes is the
Western States Trail
, which connects Auburn State
Recreation Area to
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
and Folsom Lake. It's the site of
the
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run
(
www.wser.org
) and the
Tevis Cup
(
www.teviscup.org
), an endurance race on horseback. The
Quarry Trail
takes a level path
from Hwy 49, just south of the bridge, along the Middle Fork of the American River.
Several side trails reach the river.
All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting
RAFTING
( 800-247-2387;
www.aorafting.com
; From $139/person; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri (seasonal))
The best tours of the American, Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers are offered spring through
fall by this family-run outfit. Their single- and multiday wilderness rafting excursions in-
clude breaks for hiking among the boulders and historically significant sights in the
canyons. Plus they cook for you (the burrito lunch might be worth the trip alone). Check
online for discounts.
