The Coloma-Lotus Valley is at a surprisingly low elevation, about 750 feet above sea level. Even that slight elevation, however, is enough to protect the valley from the dreary tule fog that plagues the Central Valley. Winters can be delightful, characterized by winter rains, frosty mornings and localized river mists that dissipate as the sun rises. Snow is rare, although occasionally a dusting of snow adds white to the surrounding hills.
Info For Your Trip
what to bring on a trip
WHAT’S PROVIDED:
- Skilled, professional guides, camp hosts, and camp cooks.
- High-quality inflatable rafts, paddles, helmets, personal floatation devices.
- Wetsuits and splash jackets for Springtime trips – if needed).
- Transportation from the meeting place to the river and back.
- Drinks and snacks at river’s end.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day 1 / breakfast and lunch on day 2.
- 2 nights of camping at our own private riverside camp area.
WHAT TO BRING:
- River clothing is very casual and you should expect to get wet!
- Bathing suit/trunks, lightweight, quick drying top (rash guard works well).
- lightweight windbreaker for cool mornings, sweatshirt for cool evenings.
- River sandals or old tennis shoes work great (No flip flops or bare feet allowed).
- Hat (optional under helmet).
- Sunglasses (suggest retaining device so they don’t end up in the river).
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip protection.
- Bottle of water (drinks provided at lunch and end of the trip).
- Inexpensive waterproof camera (professional pictures are taken at one of the rapids).
- Dry clothes for trip home (to be left in your car).
CAMPING ITEMS
- Tent and ground cloth.
- Or rent one of our 4 person dome tents or deluxe cabin tents that sleep 4.
- Sleeping Bag, pad, and pillow.
- Camp clothing (dry shoes, long pants, shorts, shirt, sweatshirt or light jacket).
- Flashlight, lantern, insect repellent.
- Food and drinks ( that are not provided on your trip).
- Campfire wood (we have a limited supply in our camp store).
PLEASE DO NOT BRING
- Pets, fireworks, high pressure water guns or firearms.
Places to stay in the area
CAMPGROUNDS
We have our own private camp area, only for WWE Guests, right on the banks of the South Fork of the American river. Our facilities include: bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, sinks and mirrors, recreation areas with volleyball, horseshoe pits, and ping pong. All of our camp areas are group areas that are assigned prior to your arriving. Smaller sized groups could be sharing an area with another smaller sized group.
Reservations for the WWE Camp Area can be made by calling our office at 1-800-750-2386. Cost for camping is $10 – $14.00 per person per night. We do also have areas for RV’s, however, we do not have any hook-ups available.
Coloma Resort (530) 621-2267
Offers camping for tents, RV hook up, and cabins.
LODGING
Hotels / Motels
Holiday Inn, Auburn (530) 887-8787
Motel 6, Cameron Park (530) 677-7177
Quality Inn, Cameron Park (530) 677-2203
Best Western, Auburn (800) 201-0121
Gold Country Inn, Placerville, CA 530-622-3124
Mother Lode Motel, Placerville, CA 530-622-0895
Cary House Historic Hotel, Placerville, CA 530-622-4271
Bed & Breakfasts
Villa Florintina, Coloma, CA 916-778-0109
Enchanted April Inn 916-939-9144
American River Inn, Georgetown (530) 333-4499
Powers Mansion Inn, Auburn, CA (530) 885-1166
Cottages by the River
Coloma Cottages, Coloma, CA (530) 334-3479
WHERE TO EAT
Guests on our one day trips are provided with a delicious riverside deli-styled buffet lunch included a plentiful sandwich bar with a variety of meats, breads, cheeses, veggies, pasta or potato salad, potato chips, fresh fruits, cookies and ice cold drinks.
Guests on our two day trips are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day. All meals include fresh veggies and fruit, and cold and hot beverages. Dinners consist of Grilled Chicken, Tri-tip, Cesar to Kale Salad, Baked Potato, French Bread, Corn on the Cob, Wine, Sodas and Beer, and our Great Dutch Oven Baked Desserts.
Eating Places in the Area
American River Pizza (530) 887-8787 (10 min away)
We serve a variety of great food including, Appetizers, BBQ Ribs, Salad Bar, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps, Pasta Dishes, Pizza, Beer, Local Wines, Beverages and Much More.
Marco’s Cafe (530) 677-7177 (3 min away)
Great outdoor Summer dining experience serving Roman style pizza, salad, curry, rice bowls, local beer and wine.
Cafe Mahjaic: Lotus, (530) 622-9587 (5 min away)
Dinners at Café Mahjaic are New American, a mixture of all ethnic backgrounds. All foods, sauces and breads made from scratch using naturally raised organic meats and grains. Daily specials. Restaurant now open Wed. – Sun.
Sierra Rizing Bakery, Catering & Coffee House (4 min away)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner fare with locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, soups, salads, pastas, pot pies and more. Enjoy daily dinner specials, fine desserts and espresso well into the evening. Open daily year round. 530-642-1308
Coloma Club Café 530-626-6390 (3 min away)
Café open 6:30 a.m. Great family style eatery, Full bar, live music every weekend. Garden
Other Options and things to do
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (5 min away)
A very popular attraction is the famous Coloma Gold Discovery site. Open daily for families and history buffs alike!
Olde Coloma Theatre
Olde-tyme melodramas performed Friday and Saturday nights from April to December. Come boo, hiss and cheer! Great for all ages. 380 Monument Road 530-626-5282
Everhart Cellars Hart 2 Hart Vineyards
Our handcrafted proprietary blends and varietal wines reflect our commitment to produce the best of the best sourced from our Estate Vineyards and the finest vineyard sites in the region. Enjoy our exceptional hospitality, tasting room, gift shop and picturesque picnic grounds, where you can enjoy our winery events, host your own event, or stay awhile at our Estate Vineyard Vacation House. 530-885-WINE (9463)
Gold Hill Vineyard and Brewery
Premium wine & beer tasting, picnic area and two picturesque wedding facilities. 530-626-6522
DGV is committed to making elegant Rhone-inspired wines that express the unique qualities of our terroir. Visit our beautiful estate and let our friendly staff provide a memorable wine tasting experience. 530-295-1833
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park offers miles of hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails.
WEATHER INFO
driving times / distances
Sacramento: 40 miles • 1 hour
Auburn: 18 miles • 25 min
Placerville: 10 miles • 20 min
Los Angeles: 420 miles • 7 +/- hours
San Francisco: 110 miles • 2.5 hours
San Jose: 160 miles • 3 hours
South Lake Tahoe: 80 miles • 2 hours
North Lake Tahoe: 95 miles • 2 hours
