6 Most Charming River Towns in Northern California
The Golden State is not all shores and coastlines, or the Los Angeles scene. It is one of the most naturally bountiful states with pleasant weather to endlessly enjoy the immense outdoors. California's river towns evolve and adapt to the increasing number of visitors every season, with a concentration of cultural and modern attractions. These six Northern California premier river destinations offer boundless outdoor recreation including fishing, skiing, climbing, and sightseeing hikes.
Coloma
The charming river town is home to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, along the South Fork of the American River, which makes it unrivaled in natural beauty. Coloma has approximately 400 residents and is the site where James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848, sparking the Gold Rush and subsequent development of the thriving community. Today the sleepy little town awakens during spring as the epicenter for whitewater rafting in California and a summertime destination for fun camping trips. Coloma’s downtown is only 30 miles from the state capital, Sacramento, with over 100,000 people floating by each year in a raft.
Others come to escape the city into a galore of outdoor pursuits within the immense park with some of the state's best northern nature. The open choice of pursuits will satisfy any hunger for adventures including various campgrounds and lodging options for a wholesome escape. Some rafting companies even offer complimentary camping with basic and upgraded comforts. There are also several hotels at nearby Auburn and Placerville, and a spa at Eden Vale Inn, perfect for after a day on the waters.
Dunsmuir
The "home of the best water on earth", Dunsmuir is a charming town on the Sacramento River. Loaded with fun attractions, water pursuits, and hiking trails along scenic banks, this town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a year-round destination for fishing, and wildlife sightings, as well as nearby skiing and climbing. There is the Mossbrae Falls cascade right off a storybook's page, full-flowing during the spring. Downtown Dunsmuir is a cultural hub with no traffic lights and a galore of historic buildings. The truly stunning town gives way to the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Castle Crags State Park.
The famed Pacific Crest Trail runs through the heart of town to the forested hillsides of the 14,000-foot Mount Shasta for hikes along the tall Jeffrey ponderosa pine trees. Other pursuits include mountain biking, camping, and seeking-out waterfalls such as the Hedge Creek Falls, and the serene Lake Siskiyou for waterside recreation. The on-site Botanical Gardens offers nature from the doorstep, including Shasta lilies and other native flora in the city park. Come summertime, even the annual Tribute to the Trees solstice concert honors mother nature, which turns the streets into a musical festival.
Gualala
The small destination of Gualala spreads beautifully along the banks of the namesake river. It shines through nature with many outdoor pursuits that will satisfy anyone's hunger. The friendly town, adorned in stunning light green color warmly welcomes wholesome attractions within an artsy vibe beautified by mother nature's aesthetic hand. There are a few galleries and art centers, and the beach, right upstream where the river meets the Pacific. Gualala was lovingly referred to as “q-ahwala-li” by the native Pomos, meaning "coming down water place." The river also flows through the forest for a shaded stroll and wilder water views while relaxing on a picnic.
This quiet coastal town in Northern California is an idyllic base to explore the vast reaches of northern Sonoma County and southern Mendocino County. Start at where the river comes down to the Robinson’s Gulch right in town, followed by a hike through the Salt Point State Park with a choice of bluffs, a pygmy forest, or the rhododendrons. There is also the Point Arena lighthouse with a scenic 5.7-mile Point Arena trail along the bluff. Snag a cool stay with an ocean view and go kayaking up the Gualala river.
Guerneville
The river-town boasts a wild beauty of rugged terrain surrounded by steep, heavily forested hills. Guerneville's few relatively-flat riverside neighborhoods are wander-worthy for views, with seasonal creeks trickling by into the clean Russian River. It is a definitive bucket-list destination for water fans for one-of-a-kind nature. The beautiful river is great for swimming, boating, and fishing, while the graveled beaches call to relax amidst scenic sights. The laidback Johnson's Beach is popular for gatherings with waterside food, drinks, beer, and boat rentals, as well as a kids' lagoon for families.
The largest town on the lower Russian River with about 4,750 residents is easily accessible, in-between Santa Rosa/Hwy 101 and the coast/Hwy 1. On-land activities include pee wee golf, hikes, and biking including a pedestrian pin truss Guerneville Bridge historic landmark, and the Armstrong Woods State Park with old-growth redwoods. There is a scenic plaza in downtown with quaint and eclectic attractions such as chess tables, rustic taverns, great shopping, restaurants, and a bar scene. Guerneville is also a renowned gay-friendly destination with resorts and populated bars.
Nevada City
Set scenically near the Yuba tributary of the Feather River, the small town with a big name is a vision of beauty at the base of the Sierra foothills. The fun town with an Old West vibe boasts impeccable diners and great B&Bs to stay full and rested for all the activities such as swimming and hiking. It is a gold mine of historical architecture from the mid-19th century such as the Victorian-style National Exchange Hotel historical landmark, as well as saloons and shops. There is the scenic Yuba River suspension bridge for a hike, followed by a relaxing afternoon at the lush Crystal Hermitage Gardens. The impressive, pine-scented Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park calls for a day's worth of insightful ventures on a weekend trip.
Home to around 3,000 friendly locals leaves plenty of space to enjoy the small town's offerings, along with easy access to the bounding Tahoe National Forest. The area includes 120 miles of single-track mountain biking, skiing at Sugar Bowl 45 miles away, and five vineyards within 30 minutes of the town center. The "magical" and “sun-hugged" river is great for trout fishing and class V kayaking within a gorgeous granite gorge that is magnetic to climbers, photographers, and sight-seekers overlooking the waters. Nevada City is home to vibrant culture for every taste from the Nevada Theater that hosted Mark Twain’s readings in the 1860s, to eight annual events. Crowds stampede into the town for the masquerade ball, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, and the Mardi Gras parade. Artisans and vendors sprawl out over two blocks with wine, craft cheeses, produce, and other local offerings in July.
Truckee
Known as the "Base Camp for a Big Life," Truckee is nestled scenically in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the north of the state. It was incorporated only in 1993, quickly becoming a hot-spot destination for outdoor enthusiasts of any pursuits, and continues to evolve. Truckee is a renowned skiing getaway with surrounding resorts and slopes perfect for mountain biking during summer. There are also great trails for scenic hikes amidst springtime wildflowers, and soaking up the gentle sunshine on a summer's day along the expansive shores of the beautiful Donner Lake.
The Legacy Trail winds picturesquely along the Truckee River with walkers, joggers, and bikers aplenty through any season. The lesser-trekked Trout Creek Trail offers serene strolls with easy access to the Truckee downtown area. The historic central district brims with local culture in a variety of shops and restaurants, including some that starred on Food Network. It is truly a quintessential little mountain town, with the shoulder seasons calling for warm-weather strolls along the river parallel to the main drag. Truckee, flowing through the eastern portion of Sierra's crest passes Nevada, the Reno area, and onto Pyramid Lake.
These one-of-kind river towns brim with scenic beauty for waterside respite from the big city. The picturesque shores come spliced with trails, while the downtowns await to exceed the expectations of the hungry explorers, shopaholics, and culture-starved tourists.
