Avery’s Pond — Then and Now

May 21, 2024

April 2016 — on the trail to Avery’s Pond

The first time I took my camera with me on the trek out to Avery’s Pond and Mormon Ravine at Rattlesnake Bar (Folsom Lake) was April 1, 2016. I had been there a few times back in the 1980s, but alas, I apparently never took pictures then and I can’t remember much details about those visits! I also regret that I didn’t stand in the same spots for all these photos, but I’ve tried to match the locations as much as possible. From the parking lot near the boat ramp to Avery’s Pond is roughly 2.5 miles, but it’s possible to keep going, walking along a gravel road past the PG&E Newcastle Power Plant and over a wooden bridge at the head of Mormon Ravine. This is where we tend to turn around. These images date from 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024. Note that 2022 was an especially dry year and the pond was lower than I had ever seen it.