If our current drought conditions continue, fresh water will soon become even more precious as we once again start looking for ways to conserve. Much of my local drinking water comes from the American River via Folsom Lake; and the shrinking water supply is very much on my mind even as I enjoy the beauty of the river’s south fork, flowing along the path of Highway 49 in Placer County, where miners once panned for gold.

Lake Clementine, east of Auburn

American River below the dam

Downstream from the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma