Foresthill Divide
Sugar Pine Reservoir: A sweet spot for hiking and camping in the Tahoe National Forest
It’s often overlooked for other lakes in the Tahoe National Forest, but it’s every bit as beautiful. The reservoir was created when the Sugar Pine Dam was built across the Shirt Tail Creek. Sugar Pine Reservoir sits at an elevation of 3500 feet and is a place of absolute enjoyment for all who visit. Directions …...
Iowa Hill: A community fighting off the dreaded ghost town label
What was once a booming town boasting of unparalleled riches and nearly 10,000 residents in its heyday, is now just a small community of residents refusing to fade quietly into the history books. But, don’t let the size of the town fool you, this place is loaded with history and charm. Founded From 1849 to …...
Iowa Hill Road: A thrilling voyage from Colfax to Iowa Hill
Gold Country is well known for its historic gold mining towns, legendary tales of the Gold Rush and the meager beginnings of some of California’s most prominent figures. But, one thing that’s unknown to most people is the adventure that’s experienced when actually driving on the winding roads that twist, turn and...
Mosquito Ridge Rd. Bridge also known as North Fork Bridge or “Circle Bridge”
My journey along Mosquito Ridge Rd. surprisingly brought me to this uniquely built bridge. Initially, I was heading eastbound on Mosquito Ridge Rd. from the town of Foresthill to Big Trees Grove and then French Meadow Reservoir. The road was very winding with many switchbacks through the Foresthill Divide. And if you get held up by...
Big Trees Grove: Placer County’s giant sequoia anomaly
For many visitors, this grove represents a chance to walk amongst some of the oldest trees on the planet. These six sequoias are thought to be between 1000 and 2000 years old. In 1855, a gold prospector by the name of Joe Matlock discovered these trees. By 1892, the U.S. Forest Service began protecting these …...
Michigan Bluff: From gold to Leland Stanford, this town was the envy of its day
This town used to be a booming place that rivaled any other town in Placer County during the gold rush era. In fact, one could make an argument for this town being the best of them all. A few homes, a cemetery, a small store and several historical markers are all that remains of this once prominent …...
The tale of St. Joseph’s Church Bell
The parish decided to raise $3500 for a church bell to be added to St. Joseph. The bell was cast in Sheffield and then delivered to Boston. It would then be shipped around the Horn to San Francisco. By boat, the bell was taken to Sacramento where it was transported via cart with 6 horses to …...
Cemeteries of the Foresthill Divide
If you like taking pictures of old cemeteries then check out the following the next time you visit the Foresthill Divide: Foresthill Protestant Historic Cemetery – The Foresthill cemetery dates back until at least 1858 which is the oldest monument dated in the cemetery. The cemetery was in response to the hard lives and harsh...
Foresthill: Where the gold rush meets quaintness
Founded In 1850, three gentlemen by the names of M. Fannan, James Fannan and R. S. Johnson built an establishment named the Forest House. These 3 traders were presumably heading into the region to look for gold as Yankee Jims, which is 3 miles north-northwest of Foresthill, had already discovered gold in 1849. Later in …...
Foresthill Divide: Where history, legendary tales and adventures await
Towns were built overnight after the discovery of gold between 1849 and 1851. This precious commodity, which turned America upside down, was flowing from the mines like the American River through the nearby hills and canyons. The early days of this region birthed many places, events and legends. Although most of the original mining...
