Jackson sits at the crossroads of Highway 49 that follows along the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Highway 88, a National Scenic Byway, that crosses over the crest of the mountain range. The local springs that provided an abundant source of water on the broad ridge at 1200 feet elevation was the initial attraction.
Jackson possesses a rural charm nestled into the oak- covered hills while the enterprising town now spreads into modern shopping centers supported by a diverse economy.
Within a few minutes west of Jackson are three reservoirs sitting on the lip of the Central Valley as it climbs the foothills toward Jackson and the Amador County Gold Rush communities lining Highway 49.
The deep, rich gold quartz that was the source of highly successful mines operating until the mandatory closure during World War II became the economic mainstay of the community. The mines were among the richest in California. Jackson became the county seat for Amador County and is the second largest community in the county.
It’s the blend of present day commerce with its roots in history that make it a popular place to live and visit. Jackson possesses a rural charm nestled into the oak-covered hills while the enterprising town now spreads into modern shopping centers supported by a diverse economy.
Much of downtown has retained its Gold Rush era façade. Some of the brick buildings from the 1850s survived disastrous fires while the majority of buildings date to a rebuilding period in the 1860s. Several two story buildings sporting balconies shade city sidewalks. The National Hotel sits at a commanding position on the uphill end of Main Street. It has since 1863. The excellent walking tour guide visits over 40 historic structures.
Several inns, B&Bs, as well as contemporary lodging options are available. Excellent fine dining options plus family fare offer a variety of meals – including fast food - a rarity in Amador County’s foothills region.
Just as Highway 49 offers quick access to numerous Amador County wineries and great road biking opportunities, Highway 88 quickly climbs above the foothills into the high country along the Sierra Crest and Carson Pass. This is a vast area of excellent hiking trails, ORV routes, fishing lakes, lodges, and the Kirkwood Ski Area rimmed on the south by the massive Mokelumne Wilderness.
Two exhilarating Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) trail management areas built especially for motorcycles lie on the western edge of the Eldorado National Forest less than an hour’s drive away. There are over 100 miles of trails dedicated to OHV use.
Within a few minutes west of Jackson are three reservoirs sitting on the lip of the Central Valley as it climbs the foothills toward Jackson and the Amador County Gold Rush communities lining Highway 49. All three lakes offer a variety of boating and fishing opportunities.
The Mokelumne River carved a giant canyon just to the south of Jackson. Fishing for brown trout and rainbows can be good, the scenery wonderful. Whitewater runs on the river are excellent, especially in the spring in the challenging North Fork, and year-round below the Electra Powerhouse that offers a good training or family run. Yet, there are nowhere near the crowds on the more popular rivers up north.
| Population: | 3,989 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.amadorcountychamber.com Community: http://ci.jackson.ca.us/ |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Services:
Automotive
Medical
|
|||
From Sacramento follow Highway 50 east out of town for about 6 miles until you reach Highway 16, the “Jackson Highway.” Turn right (southeast) and follow it for 34 miles until you reach the Highway 49 intersection just east of Plymouth. Turn right (south) on Highway 49 and follow it for 12 miles. In 2004 a bypass was being built around the mining communities of Drytown, Amador City, and Sutter Creek to relieve traffic congestion of big rigs and tourists in the heart of each town. It will serve Jackson more directly. Watch for signs indicating changing directions.
You can also reach Jackson via Highway 49 either south out of Placerville or north from Sonora and numerous highway links in between. Highway 88 climbing 45 miles out of Stockton goes directly to Jackson. Stockton sits astride both Interstate 5 and Highway 99, the two main north-south routes through the Central Valley of California.