Folsom Lake, Reservoir in Sierra Nevada foothills, California
Folsom Lake is a reservoir in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, stretching across three counties and fed by the American River. The water reaches a surface area of around 4,600 hectares (11,400 acres) at normal pool level with over 120 kilometers (75 miles) of shoreline shaped by grassy slopes, rocky cliffs, and small coves.
The dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers between 1948 and 1956 to prevent flooding and generate electricity for the growing Sacramento region. When the valley was flooded, several old settlements disappeared beneath the water, including the former Gold Rush town of Mormon Island.
Locals refer to the reservoir simply as "Folsom" and use it year-round for boating, fishing, and picnics along the shore. On weekends, families from across the region come here to relax by the water and explore the trails along the shore.
Visitor zones are open from sunrise to sunset and offer parking, restrooms, and water access at several points around the lake. During low water levels, some boat ramps and swimming areas may be closed, so it is worth checking current conditions beforehand.
During extreme drought, the ruins of Mormon Island emerge from the water, including foundations and old roads from the Gold Rush settlement. Divers report submerged bridges and tree stumps deep below the surface, reminders of the earlier landscape before the dam was built.
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