Barhopping at Folsom Lake

Of all California’s large reservoir parks, Folsom Lake is closest to a metropolitan area. Situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 25 miles from Sacramento, the lake attracts 4 million visitors a year and is popular with campers, water-skiers, boaters, swimmers and anglers.

The more isolated hiking is along the North Fork and the South Fork of the American River. One fine stretch of Western States Trail is between Rattlesnake Bar and Horseshoe Bar. The bars refer to wide turns in the river where miners often found gold.

Directions to trail head: From Interstate 80 in Auburn, head south on Auburn-Folsom Road (which runs between its two namesake communities on the west side of the lake). Turn east on Rattlesnake Bar Road and follow to end at parking area for horse trailers.

The hike: Before entering the woods, the path meanders in a meadowland and offers a curious sight: palm trees. On a humid day, imagine you’re on a tropical isle.

The trail ascends into a woodland and crosses a wooden bridge over a creek flowing into the lake. Notice the tangles of wild grape hanging from the trees.

For the first 1 1/2 miles, the main trail (wider than a couple of confusing side paths along the way) rises and falls a few times, passing close to some fence lines.

The trail reaches a somewhat level area by the water.

Western States Trail

WHERE: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area near Sacramento.

DISTANCE: From Rattlesnake Bar to Horseshow Bar is 3 miles round trip.

TERRAIN: Wooded, brushy lake shores.

HIGHLIGHTS: Bird-watching, wooded section of lake.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Folsom Lake State Recreation Ara, 7806 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, Calif, 95630; tel, (916) 988-0205.