Summertime – Things to Do in Placeville
Rafting Season is here
Want to stay cool this summer? The cold water of the South Fork of the American River is the perfect antidote to the summer heat. There are too many rafting companies to list here. TheAmericanRiver.com has a good list to help you find your perfect ride down the river.
If this is too scary for you, grab a beach chair, find a shade tree and park it at the edge of the river. tip: put the chair in the river so your feet are in the cool water and the rest of you is dry. Sit back and watch the river flow and rafters float by.
Riverside parks with day access include: Henningsen-Lotus-Park – The Coloma Resort sells day use passes. They have a great view of rafts plunging into “Troublemaker” a class 4 rapid. Get there before noon to see the most rafters. Sunday is you best bet for a quiet campsite by the water after the weekend group checks out.
The Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, in Coloma has picnic table near the river and is an official put-in spot. You can start here if you have your own raft. There is only one class 2 rapid between the Coloma Park put in and the next take out spot. Use caution if going without a guide. The river is unpredictable and conditions vary year to year.
The closest river access to Downtown Placeville is Chili Bar. The “beach” is all rocks (bring a chair). There is an eddy in the current that allows for swimming (with caution). Located on Highway 193 one mile north of Placerville, Chili Bar Park is open to the public May through October for the boating season. There is a user fee for all visitors to Chili Bar Park.
Placerville’s many wineries have special events all summer, including music, food and wine pairings. Over the years events have ranged from a Hawaiian Luau, to drinks under the stars, with a guide to point out the constellations. A place to start is the El Dorado Winery Association events page.
Historic Main Street, Placerville Has events all summer.
From Music in the Courtyard to Dancing in the Streets to Stage Coach Rides, main Street has something for everyone.
Leave your car at your home away from home. Main Street is a 5-10 min walk from Coloma Spring Suites.
Have fun and stay cool.
