Author: Rick Rockwell
Webber Falls: Sierra County’s Little Known Waterfall
Located roughly 30 minutes northwest of Truckee, sits one of the region’s most remarkable waterfalls. In fact, during peak season, Webber Falls roars along the Little Truckee River and is a must see destination for any waterfall enthusiast. Surprisingly, this impressive waterfall is one of the area’s best kept secrets to outsiders...
South Fork American River: From Iowa Canyon Waterfalls to Slab Creek Dam
Along the South Fork American River, in El Dorado County, sits the Slab Creek Dam which was built in 1967. This dammed portion of the river creates the Slab Creek Reservoir and just a little ways down from the reservoir is where the Iowa Canyon Creek flows into the American River. This creek spans roughly …...
Matthew Kilgore Cemetery: Rancho Cordova History, Pioneer Graves, and Restoration
Matthew Kilgore Cemetery is one of those small historic places in Rancho Cordova that can be easy to drive past without realizing how much local history sits behind the fence. Located along Kilgore Road in the middle of a modern business corridor, the cemetery preserves the graves of early Sacramento County and Rancho Cordova-area...
The Historic Oleta Schoolhouse of Fiddletown
In 1849, a group of men from Missouri established the uniquely named Fiddletown as they prospected for gold in Amador County. Within a few years, the town grew from a few tents and wagons to over 100 homes and businesses. It was also around this time that the first schoolhouse was constructed on a southern …...
Abandoned Nevada County Hospital: the historic and tragic tale of the HEW building
On the outskirts of Nevada City, sits an abandoned mental health facility with a tragic story to tell. In addition to being filled with asbestos, lead paint, mold and graffiti, this complex also contains stories of murder and haunted encounters. The HEW Building The 34,000 square foot complex has had many incarnations during its...
Fort Ross: a multicultural historic landmark along the Pacific Coast
About two hours north of San Francisco, along the coast of California, sits one of California’s Historic State Parks – Fort Ross. Given the name Krepostʹ Ross, this fort brought many firsts to Alta California, such as the first windmill, glass windows, stoves and all-wood houses. It also became a prime example of Europeans...
Johnny Cash Trail: Walk the Line across the overpass
Since 1968, no other man, woman or child has had more of a profound impact on the city of Folsom than Johnny Cash. Some may even say that “The Man In Black” put the town on the map. We here in California are more than familiar with Folsom. But, on a global scale, Mr. Cash …...
The Hollow Log Truck: a 1945 truck with a 1000 year old log
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors to the Avenue of The Giants can see this roadside attraction parked in front of the “Burl n’ Drift” shop and possibly climb inside depending on time of day and supervision. Affectionately known as the Hollow Log Truck, this vehicle’s mission is to bring awareness and...
Alden Park on Mare Island: Missiles, Trees, and Naval History in Vallejo
Alden Park on Mare Island looks peaceful at first: a shaded lawn, old trees, benches, and a historic bandstand in the middle of a quiet park. Then you notice the Polaris missile, the SUBROC missile, old Navy guns, concrete bomb shelters, memorials, and a wartime submarine artifact scattered through the same setting. That contrast is...
Point Arena Lighthouse: the tallest lighthouse on the Pacific Coast
Positioned on a narrow peninsula of land along the Mendocino Coast, is the Pacific’s tallest lighthouse – the Point Arena Lighthouse. At 115 feet in height, this lighthouse provides priceless views of California’s northern coast and an opportunity for visitors to experience a more charming period in time. Lighthouse...
