Dave Moore Nature Area ~ Gold Country

*  If you click on a photo it enlarges and you can scroll through all of the photos at once.

Hiking, swimming, picnicking, fishing and enjoying nature and history are all welcome activities!

Hike Length:  1 mile loop
Difficulty:  Easy
Driving Directions:  Highway 49 ~ 2 miles west of Coloma, or 3 miles south of Pilot Hill.
Notes:  No horses.  Starting at the restroom TH, this is a wheelchair  and stroller accessible trail to the river and back.  The whole loop is not.  There is plenty of dirt parking, no fees, and a vault toilet at the trail head.  There are garbage cans.  Dogs are welcome. 



A little history of the area is posted at the trailhead.

My first exploration of this hike was this August 2012, so you might guess it is plagued by stickers and dry grasses.  The trail is covered in a carpet of slippery, crispy leaves too.

Wildflowers are blooming despite this dry year and add color to the shady lane to the river.

Even on this hot day, there is enough shade to keep my cool.

I would love to know the history of this rock "formation".  There are two of these on the trail and I assume they have some connection to the rich mining history of the area.

There are several picnic tables in shady areas along the way to have a meal, or just take a rest.

The second of the strange rocks.

A peek through the green to the inviting river where you may find rapids fit for the pros or shallow rocky river good for wading in.  It changes depending on the day and time of day according to water releases. 

There are sandy or rocky areas but all with a fair amount of shade to lounge in by going a bit up or downriver.

More color!

As you can see, it is a pretty peaceful place when the water is low.  If you find high water, you will find rafters having great times.

The second part of the loop is shaded and beautiful with occasional boulders blocking wheeled transportation.

But they are not ones to scramble over.  Just walk around them.

Before you know it the parking lot is nearby.  I enjoyed this for a simple get away. 

I would take the kids, the dog, lunch and maybe a fishing pole! 

BLM Dave Moore Website
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