Lotus is a rural community just downriver a couple of miles and around the corner from Coloma. James Marshall made the first discovery of gold in California in what are now the Marshall Gold Discovery Site State Park and the town of Coloma.
More adventure seekers float the South Fork of the Amrerican River than any other in California.
The Henningsen Lotus Park operated by El Dorado County Parks department is a choice public boat launch and beach area.
Marshall was the first name attached to the booming gold mining town of 2000 miners in 1849, but Marshall was changed to Lotus when the Post Office was established.
The South Fork of the American River and its popularity as a whitewater floating adventure is now the main attraction. More adventure seekers float the river than any other in California. Several whitewater guides have base camps strung along the river near Lotus and Coloma. The area offers the most popular put-in and take-out points along the river that allow for run options of a few hours or a couple of days. Summer rafting draws the largest crowd, but kayakers can be found bobbing and bombing down the river practically year-round.
The Henningsen Lotus Park operated by El Dorado County Parks department is a choice public boat launch and beach area. The park is a quick ¾ mile downriver along the Lotus Road west of Highway 49 where the bridge crosses the South Fork. Picnic tables, restrooms, the Pavilion and sports fields provide year-round youth sports and family opportunities. Use of launch facilities by private boater is free with a 15 minute parking limit. Parking for longer periods requires a modest fee. (530) 621-5353.
A commercial RV park is located along the river in Lotus.
Two miles downriver (north) of Coloma and Lotus is the Dave Moore Nature Area. Access for picnicking, hiking and swimming is designed for non-floaters, although boaters can picnic at the site.
| Population: | 200 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.eldoradocounty.org Community: www.colomalotus.com Visitor Center: www.visit-elorado.com |
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From Auburn: Follow Highway 49 south for about 17 miles. Immediately after crossing the South Fork of the American River Bridge turn right onto the Lotus Road and follow it for about ¾ mile.
From Placerville: Follow Highway 49 north for about 10 miles. After passing through the Marshall Gold Discovery Site State Park and the outskirts of Coloma, continue for a short mile and turn left on the Lotus Road immediately before Highway 49 crosses the South Fork of the American River Bridge. Follow the Lotus Road for about ¾ mile.