Weekend Trip to the Coloma Lotus Valley

October 30, 2022
By Wendy Tippett

I love get-away weekends, especially fall weekends at my brother’s property in Lotus, CA. 

For me, it’s an easy drive – it takes less than two hours and I always enjoy the scenery, the farms, and the history along Highway 49. And once I arrive I feel like I am far away. The views are breathtaking and the charming community has a lively locals scene. 

A friend came with me on this trip. It was his first time visiting Coloma, so we did the “tourist things” that Coloma is so well known for. During the day we visited Marshall Gold Historic Park, the Sutter’s Mill replica, and the Marshall Monument. At night, we made the obligatory stop for a drink at the Coloma Club. Although it’s a must, it is an authentic Gold Rush saloon, so I still find it amusing almost 30 years later that that’s where my brother and his wife met!

This weekend was Halloween and Coloma takes Halloween seriously. So much so that when a new bridge had to be built in town a few years ago, the plans included a ledge the length of the bridge for Halloween pumpkins! My friend and I joined my brother at the local Halloween events; the whole town came out for a costume party at Marcos Cafe and the carved pumpkins on the bridge were so creative!

Next time, we will be sure to also go whitewater rafting with Aaron and the family on the South Fork American River. The weather in the fall is just perfect for a river trip.

Useful Links:

• • Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
    https://www.marshallgold.com/
    https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484
    https://www.coloma.com/marshall-park/

• The Coloma Club
  http://colomaclub.com/index.php

Halloween in Coloma https://www.coloma.com/2022/10/30/19994/pumpkins-on-the-bridge