Author: Rick Rockwell
North Bloomfield: a charmingly preserved ghost town
History According to local lore, in 1851, after three miners discovered gold nuggets on the San Juan Ridge, one of the miners bragged about the findings at a local saloon and was unknowingly followed by other prospectors to the discovery site. Unfortunately for the followers, they didn’t find any gold and in disgust, named...
Malakoff Diggins State Park: a historical mining region with adventure and a ghost town
Park Hours of Operation The State Park is open every day from Sunrise to Sunset. The museum, the buildings and tours of the town are only open during the summer season between Memorial Day and the end of September. There is an $8 fee per vehicle during the peak season. Contact number: 530-265-2740 Directions …...
Alpine County Historical Complex: a saunter through the region’s history
Location and Hours The complex is located at 1 School Street off of Montgomery Street about a half mile from the centre of town. The complex is opened from 11am to 4pm Thursday through Monday. Additionally, it’s only opened from Memorial day through the end of October. The Museum The museum has a unique blend …...
Markleeville: a small rural mountain town with history and hot springs
But, hopefully after reading my experience and seeing some of the pictures, you would recognize and be inspired to see this town’s unique blend of quaintness, picturesque landscapes, history and hot springs. History In the early 1860’s, Jacob J. Markley founded a toll bridge crossing the Carson River and eventually purchased...
Ralston Lake: Ralston Peak’s little wading pool
Ralston Lake sits at about 7800 feet in elevation and is located roughly 1.7 miles northwest of Upper Echo Lake. Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The …...
Tamarack Lake: A place of solitude and a mirror for Ralston Peak
Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The trailhead is located at Lower Echo Lake right near the Echo Chalet. This resort is seasonal and only open from …...
An exciting journey from Echo Lakes to Tamarack Lake and beyond
Echo Lake, also commonly referred to as Echo Lakes, is typically frozen during the winter due to its elevation of over 7,400 feet. The services located at Echo Lake are seasonal and are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These services include the popular Echo Chalet and the boat taxi. The trail from lower …...
Horsetail Falls: A challenging hike to an impressive waterfall
The trailhead begins at 6000 feet in elevation and climbs up to 7200 feet in elevation at the top of the waterfall. The trail is only 1.5 miles to the base of the waterfall. However, it’s easy to lose when traveling over the granite slabs. Additionally, the hike to the top of the waterfall requires …...
A quick look at Dark Lake
The lake is roughly at the 7000 foot elevation mark. It seems to be more popular for fishing rather than hiking or picture taking. Directions From Sacramento, head east on Highway 50 past Placerville. Roughly 4.5 miles east of the town of Kyburz is Wrights Road. Make a left onto Wrights Road and travel 8 …...
A quick look at Boomerang Lake
This lake is smaller than Twin Lakes, but it does offers the opportunity of jumping off some 12 foot high rocks into the water. Directions From Sacramento, head east on Highway 50. Roughly 4.5 miles east of the town of Kyburz is Wrights Road. Make a left onto Wrights Road and travel 8 miles until …...
