Lake Natoma, Gold Country Travel Guide
Discover Lake Natoma: A serene California reservoir offering recreation, history, and natural beauty in the heart of Gold Country.
Lake Natoma, a serene reservoir nestled in California's Gold Country near Sacramento, offers a peaceful retreat with abundant outdoor activities. Formed by Nimbus Dam on the American River, its calm waters are perfect for paddling, rowing, and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty and historical sites.
A brief summary to Lake Natoma
- California, US
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Natoma.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking at popular access points like Nimbus Flat, Willow Creek, or Black Miners Bar.
- Bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or rent one from the Sacramento State Aquatic Center for a day on the calm waters.
- Explore the American River Bike Trail, a paved path that runs alongside the lake, perfect for cycling, running, or a leisurely walk.
- Visit the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park to learn about the area's Gold Rush history and early hydroelectric power.
- Check the Sacramento State Aquatic Center's event page before visiting, as school events may impact access to certain areas of the lake.
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Getting There
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Driving
Lake Natoma is accessible from U.S. Highway 50. From Sacramento, take Highway 50 east and exit at Hazel Avenue or Folsom Boulevard. Follow signs to the lake's various access points, such as Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area or Black Miners Bar. Parking is available at these locations for a day-use fee of $12 per vehicle. Be aware that parking areas can fill up quickly on weekends.
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Public Transport
From Sacramento, take the Sacramento Regional Transit Gold Line light rail to Historic Folsom Station. From there, you can connect to Lake Natoma via local bus routes or a short taxi/rideshare ride. Alternatively, from Iron Point Light Rail Station, bus lines 10 and 109 can take you closer to the lake. A single ride on Sacramento Regional Transit costs $3. Check SacRT's website for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information.
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Biking
Cyclists can access Lake Natoma via the American River Bike Trail (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail), a 32-mile paved path connecting Sacramento with Folsom. The trail runs alongside Lake Natoma, providing access to various points around the lake. There are multiple parking lots along Leidesdorff Street. From there, it is a short walk down Gold Lake Drive to the beginning of the trail below Lake Natoma Inn.
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Looking beyond Lake Natoma? Discover Gold Country for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
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