Mariposa County Museums
Photo by adam blauert
Mariposa County Museums
Mariposa County’s history and natural resources provide a wealth of interesting stories, knowledge, and sights.
Three excellent museums display some of these treasures to the public. Located adjacent to Merced County’s eastern boundary, Mariposa County is an easy day or weekend trip.
Museums can be enjoyed any time of year. They’re a great way to escape the heat of summer or the cold and wet of winter.
Even on a pleasant spring or fall day, there’s nothing wrong with spending a few hours indoors. If the weather is really bad, however, call in advance to make sure the museum will be open.
On a very wintry day last year I found the Mariposa Museum and History Center closed. Many stores in town were also closed and I was informed that this was due to the expectation of worse weather yet to come.
Mariposa Museum and History Center
5119 Jessie Street, Mariposa
Hours of Operation and Admission
10AM – 4PM daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, $4 adults, children under 18 free. Active duty military personnel and first responders in uniform or with active duty ID are also free.
Exhibits and Collections
The Mariposa Museum and History Center tells the story of Mariposa County from the Miwok Indians who first inhabited the area to the miners of the California Gold Rush and the ranchers who supplied the mining towns.
You can also learn about the early Chinese inhabitants of the county, John C. Fremont, Joaquin Murietta, the Yosemite Valley Railroad, and logging. The museum contains reproductions of early stores and homes and displays of mining technology and methods.
Various rotating exhibits provide something new for repeat visitors. Outside the walls of the museum is a large collection of mining and ranching equipment including an operational 5-stamp mill and a monitor used in hydraulic mining.
In addition, the grounds include historic Mariposa County buildings dating back to the 1850’s: the Counts House, the office and print shop of the Mariposa Gazette newspaper, a broom making shop, and a reconstruction of a typical blacksmith shop.
Other Facilities and Services
A picnic area is provided. The gift shop has an excellent selection of works on local history.
The museum’s website has a map for those interested in doing a historical walking tour of the town.
Research Opportunities
The museum contains a large collection of county records and historic photos, especially useful for family historians.
Appointments must be made in advance and a fee of $25/hour is charged.
Free access to the research library is one of the benefits provided to members of the museum.
Copies of documents and photos can be made for a small fee.
Tours
Group tours and school field trips can be arranged by contacting the museum.
The 5-stamp mill is often operated for groups.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Blacksmithing demonstrations and gold panning can be arranged.
Special Events and for more information
Go to www.mariposamuseum.com
or call (209) 966-2924.
Saint Joseph Church in Mariposa founded in 1857
California State Mining and Mineral Museum
Photo by adam Blauert
Location: 5005 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa
Hours of Operation: From October 1 through April 30, the museum is open 10AM – 4PM Thursday through Sunday.
From May 1 through September 30, the hours change to 10AM – 5PM.
Admission: $4 adults, children 12 and under are free.
Exhibits and Collections
The Mining and Mineral Museum displays both the mineral variety of California and the state’s mining history.
The museum’s collection includes thousands of specimens.
Collections are rotated and about 350 specimens are on display at any given time.
The 13.8 pound Fricot Nugget – the largest remaining intact mass of crystalline gold from the California Gold Rush –is one of the most popular attractions.
Visitors are often surprised to see the museum’s California diamonds. On the back side of the museum building is a life-size reproduction of a mining tunnel, open for exploration.
A “touch table provides children with an opportunity to handle mineral specimens.
Other Facilities and Services
Gift shop
Tours: School and group tours can be arranged.
Special Events
The museum presents a gem and mineral show in April with special exhibits and activities for children.
Activities for children are also offered on Labor Day Weekend when the Mariposa County Fair is held at the adjacent fairgrounds.
For More Information
Go to http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=588
or call (209) 742-7625.
Northern Mariposa County History Center
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Location: Intersection of Highways 132 and 49, Coulterville
Hours of Operation: 10AM – 4PM, Wednesday-Sunday, except major holidays.
Exhibits and Collections
Divided from the town of Mariposa by the deep Merced River Canyon, Coulterville has long been the population center of northern Mariposa County.
Today, Coulterville has its own museum that focuses on the unique history of this part of the county.
The museum’s displays are housed in two historic buildings that date back to 1856 and 1863.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Locally known as the “Coulterville Museum,” the Northern Mariposa County History Center displays and interprets a broad range of artifacts and stories.
Permanent exhibits chronicle the history of Coulterville and local mining and ranching operations.
Rotating exhibits provide new surprises for repeat visitors.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
One of the most popular attractions is “Whistling Billy,” a small locomotive engine that hauled ore from the Mary Harrison Mine.
The engine is open to the public and visitors can climb inside the cab for photographs.
A building behind the museum houses wagons, mining, and farming equipment.
Other Facilities and Services: The gift shop offers a number of unique books that have been published by the museum.
Research Opportunities
The museum’s archive is open to researchers. Appointments must be made in advance.
Tours: Group and school tours can be arranged by contacting the museum. Tours are often led by docents in period dress.
A walking tour of the town of Coulterville is also available.
Special Events
The museum holds community breakfasts in the Old School House (two blocks away) on the 2ndSunday of each month.
Visitors often chose to show up for the breakfast and then tour the museum. Adults are $5, children are $3.
The museum hosts “Historical Afternoons on the third Saturday of each month in the spring and fall.
These living oral history presentations are held in the IOOF building (5030 Main Street, two blocks from the museum).
The cost is $3 per person.
For More Information: Go to http://coultervillemuseum.org
or call (209) 878-3015.
Sierra National Forest
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
National forests
Yosemite National Park is surrounded by national forest lands. To the northwest, the Stanislaus National Forest provides some of the closest mountain recreation for those of us in the Central Valley. On the opposite side of the Merced River, the Sierra National Forest provides equally close mountains.
When you drive to Yosemite on Highway 140 you are on the Sierra National Forest side of the river canyon for most of the journey. Directly across the water is Stanislaus National Forest.
McKinley Grove - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
McKinley Grove
The Park between Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park
The name “Sierra National Forest” can be confusing because the Sierra Nevada mountain range stretches all the way from Highway 36 east of Chico to Tehachapi Pass (Highway 58) in the south.
Sierra National Forest comprises only part of this area – specifically the area between Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Its 1.3 million acres of land provide just about every type of outdoor recreation imaginable. From dry foothills to snowbound windswept peaks it is a glorious place to explore.
Just as with its vast northern neighbor Stanislaus National Forest, the question “What do you do there?” requires a long answer. This article is an effort to answer that question and to provide a list of useful resources for learning about the forest and its recreational opportunities.
One of the best resources to start with is the annual visitor guide produced by Sierra National Forest
website: http://www.3forests.us/
Shaver Lake - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Shaver Lake
Popular recreational activities within Sierra National Forest include
Auto touring
Staying in developed recreation areas within and near the forest
Hiking and backpacking in wilderness areas
Hiking trails outside of wilderness areas
Camping
Ranger-led activities
Fishing
Boating
Swimming
Hiking and camping with dogs
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
OHV riding and exploring 4-wheel drive roads
Hunting
Downhill skiing
Playing in the snow
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Snowmobiling
Within the forest there are many privately owned areas. Some of these offer additional recreational opportunities plus tent and RV campgrounds, lodging, restaurants, stores, and gas stations.
Kaiser Pass Road View - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Kaiser Pass Road View
Ranger Stations
The Sierra National Forest Headquarters is located at 1600 Tollhouse Road in Clovis. You can get general forest information and recreation permits by contacting the headquarters.
The phone number is (559) 297-0706 and the general website for the entire forest is www.fs.usda.gov/sierra/.
The forest is divided into districts which can provide more specific information about their respective areas
High Sierra District: 29688 Auberry Road, Prather –(559) 855-5355
Bass Lake District: 57003 Road 225, North Fork – (559) 877-2218
Yosemite Sierra Visitor Bureau: 41969 Highway 41, Oakhurst – (559) 683-4636
Mariposa Interagency Visitor Center: 5158 Highway 140, Mariposa –
(209) 966-7081
Eastwood (seasonal): Highway 168 and Kaiser Pass Road, Huntington Lake –
(559) 893-6611
Dinkey Creek (seasonal): Dinkey Creek Road at Dinkey Creek – (559) 841-3404
High Sierra (seasonal): Kaiser Pass Road – (559) 877-7173
Ansel Adams Wilderness - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Ansel Adams Wilderness
Road Access and Auto Touring
Unlike the national forests to the north, no road crosses the entire mountain range within Sierra National Forest. Highway 168, the major state highway in the area, penetrates deep into the mountains and the Kaiser Pass Road to Edison and Florence Lakes approaches the crest, but there is no automobile crossing. This leaves plenty of room for exploration on foot or horseback.
A number of secondary roads ranging from two-lane paved roads to rough four-wheel drive roads provide plenty of additional access. Besides Highway 168 and Kaiser Pass Road, the paved roads to Courtright and Wishon Reservoirs are great scenic drives.
The partially-paved 100-mile Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is also a great choice for auto touring. Usually the road can be traversed by any car if driven carefully, but high-clearance is recommended.
For more information about the byway go to www.sierravistascenicbyway.org/
Major Towns, Supplies, Lodging, Food, and Gas
The major supply and service locations are adjacent to the major roads. Each of the major routes has chambers of commerce and/or business associations with websites for information about lodging, food, supplies, gas, local activities, and special events.
I’ve listed them below in order from north to south:
Highway 140 ~ Mariposa, El Portal
Highway 41 ~ Oakhurst, Sugar Pine, Fish Camp
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway ~ Bass Lake, North Fork, South Fork
Highway 168 and Kaiser Pass ~ Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Edison Lake
Courtright Reservoir - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Wilderness Areas
Five wilderness areas are within or partly within the boundaries of Sierra National Forest. They offer some of California’s best hiking, backpacking, and fishing. They are also great places to enjoy abundant and brilliant wildflowers and to see a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Ansel Adams Wilderness
Named for the photographer whose timeless images turned the Sierra Nevada’s striking landscapes into universally-recognized icons, this great wilderness area makes up much of the northeastern section of Sierra National Forest. With stunning mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and the headwaters of the San Joaquin River, the Ansel Adams Wilderness has a lifetime of trails to explore.
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness
One of the smaller wilderness areas in the forest, this often-overlooked region has many lakes and surprisingly easy day hike and backpacking destinations.
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness
Note: the lakes are not “dinkey” in size; the wilderness was named for a dog named Dinkey who saved a pioneer from a grizzly bear attack.
John Muir Wilderness
The protection of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is largely due to the work of naturalist John Muir and it is only fitting that one of the largest wilderness areas in the range bears his name.
The eastern part of the wilderness is part of Inyo National Forest. This area contains some of the highest peaks in the lower 48 states, glaciers, an amazing number of lakes, and excellent fishing.
Kaiser Wilderness
This is a small wilderness area that is largely unknown outside the Fresno area. Centered around Kaiser Peak and north of Huntington Lake, the area contains several small lakes. Trails are generally more challenging than the equally-sized Dinkey Lakes Wilderness.
Monarch Wilderness
At the southernmost edge of Sierra National Forest, this small and almost unknown wilderness is mostly located within Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Although it lacks lakes and contains some extremely rugged terrain it is a place where solitude is likely to be found among old growth giant sequoias.
Trails Outside of Wilderness Areas
A number of excellent trails are found outside of the wilderness areas. Details can be found in some of the books listed below. Some of the most popular non-wilderness trails are within the forest’s two groves of giant sequoias:
Nelder Grove
On the northern edge of the forest north of Oakhurst, this partially-logged grove still has several impressive trees.
For more information go to: http://www.neldergrove.org/
McKinley Grove
Located along the McKinley Grove Road between Dinkey Creek and Wishon Reservoir. An easy walk through the trees is a trail that is within just about anyone’s ability range.
For more information go to: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5344073.pdf
Books, Maps, and Other Resources
Although web-based resources are great for planning a trip, cellular service, internet, and electric power are hard to come by in much of the forest.
If you can store electronic resources on your device and have well-charged batteries, you may be able to continue to access your information this way. It’s always good, however, to have some paper resources.
Print out information from the internet and bring both maps and books. The general guide produced by Sierra National Forest is invaluable to have with you, especially if your plans change while on a trip.
Weather and other elements outside of your control often require flexibility.
You can access and print that guide here: www.3forests.us/sierra
Books
Unfortunately there is no single book that comprehensively covers this area. For backpacking, Sierra South from Wilderness Press is a great choice.
For shorter day hikes, pick up a copy of California Hiking by Stienstra and Brown. Not only does this book highlight the best day hikes in Sierra National Forest, it is also an excellent resource for the entire state with a total of 1,000 hike routes.
Hiking the Sierra Nevada by Barry Parr is also a good choice.
Maps
It’s good to have a general highway map, but if you plan to explore off the main roads the Sierra National Forest Map is one of the most important things to have with you.
In addition to roads and trails, it also shows campgrounds, ranger stations, supply locations, and recreation areas. It supplements the general guide to the forest (see above).
You can buy it from the U.S. Geological Survey for $12: store.usgs.gov from a variety of other online retailers. You can also purchase it at a ranger station.
For hiking or backpacking, the following maps are the top choices: No matter what resources you use, always call a ranger station to verify current conditions before you leave on a trip. Conditions are always changing and even the official websites can be badly out of date.
Ansel Adams Wilderness published by Tom Harrison Maps
(I generally prefer Tom Harrison’s maps because they have the mileage directly written on each trail segment – this makes for easier trip planning. They are also waterproof).
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness published by Tom Harrison Maps
Mono Divide High Country Trail Map published by Tom Harrison (covers most of the John Muir Wilderness)
A Guide to the Kaiser Wilderness published by the US Forest Service
For more detailed hiking maps, check the USGS website for 7.5 and 15 minute sections.
You can order printed copies of these maps or download free electronic copies.
Edison Lake - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Edison Lake
Campground Camping
Within Sierra National Forest you’ll find 82 campgrounds.
Most are detailed in the forest guide: www.3forests.us/sierra
Some campgrounds are reservable in advance. You can search for reservable campsites by going to: www.recreation.gov.
Dispersed Camping
Camping outside a campground (usually referred to as “dispersed camping”) is permitted in areas of the forest where signs do not specifically prohibit it.
You can always check with a ranger station before you set up camp. In order to have a campfire you need a California Campfire Permit, available at any ranger station.
You can also take an online quiz and get one issued electronically by going to:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia/
As long as you follow the rules on the permit and make sure that you have chosen a safe site, your campfire is legal. Before your trip you should also make sure that additional campfire restrictions have not been put in place.
In dry years campfires are sometimes prohibited outside of established campgrounds. This year is no different and some limitations have been imposed.
Ranger-Led Activities
A variety of programs and hikes for all ages and ability levels are offered throughout the year. For current schedules call the ranger district that you plan to visit.
Fishing
The forest abounds with streams, rivers, natural lakes, and reservoirs. Many are stocked and most are open to fishing.
For regulations and stocking information, go to www.dfg.ca.gov. Tom Stienstra’s California Fishing is a good general guide to the whole state, including Sierra National Forest.
Boating
Motorized fishing boats area allowed on the following lakes: Bass, Courtright, Edison, Florence, Huntington, Mammoth Pool, Pine Flat, Redinger, Shaver, and Wishon. Water skiing and jet skis are allowed at Bass, Huntington, Pine Flat, Redinger, and Shaver.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in most streams, rivers, and lakes, however it can be dangerous. Make sure that all people in your group have strong swimming abilities and you have flotation devices in case a rescue is necessary. Check with a ranger for current conditions and recommended areas.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on trails and in campgrounds in national forests as long as they are on-leash and well-behaved. They are not permitted on trails in state or national parks. Dogs may be off-leash as long as they are under voice control within wilderness areas (except in bighorn sheep habitat areas – check with a ranger station if you are planning a backpacking trip with a dog).
Horses
Horses are permitted on trails within the national forest. For overnight trips they must be included on your wilderness permit. Check with the ranger station for the best trail parking for horse trailers. Day rides and overnight pack trips are offered by:
D&F Pack Station: http://dandfpackstation.squarespace.com/
High Sierra Pack Station: http://www.highsierrapackstations.com/index.html
Horse Corral Pack Station: http://www.highsierrapackers.org/horse.htm
Minarets Pack Station: http://www.highsierrapackers.org/min.htm
Muir Trail Ranch: http://www.muirtrailranch.com/horses.html
Shaver Lake Stables: http://www.shaverstable.com/
Yosemite Trails Pack Station: http://www.yosemitetrails.com/
If you are not up to carrying all your gear or if you want to enjoy the wilderness with in a less strenuous way, a pack trip is a good choice.
Mountain Bikes
All roads and most trails outside of wilderness areas are open to mountain bikes. Check with a ranger for recommended trails and roads.
Off-Highway Vehicles and 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Many remote forest roads require 4-wheel drive and several areas are open to off-highway vehicles.
A copy of the Sierra National Forest map is extremely helpful in locating the best sites.
Hunting
The forest, including wilderness areas, is open to hunting according to DFG regulations. You can check regulations at www.dfg.ca.gov. Target shooting is prohibited in wilderness areas.
Winter Activities
Some roads and campgrounds are open through the winter months, especially in the lower elevations. Always carry tire chains and know how to install them. Highways 41, 140, and 168 are open throughout the winter except for temporary snow closures.
Most other roads are closed. Many lodging facilities are open year-round.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Offered at China Peak on Highway 168 at Huntington Lake. For more information: www.skichinapeak.com/
Snow Play Areas
Sierra National Forest is also a popular destination to play in the snow. Five “Sno-Parks” offer snow recreation for a $5 use fee. Permits must be purchased before you reach the Sno-Park. Look for signs as you drive up Highway 168 or call the ranger station for a current listing.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Along trails is also popular. Occasionally ranger-led snow activities are offered. Check with the ranger station for details. If none are offered, try Yosemite or Sequoia National Parks.
To find your own route, pick up a copy of Best Snowshoe Trails of California by Mark White.
Snowmobile Trails
For snowmobiling information go to www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/recreation/wintersports/?cid=stelprdb5303598
or call the ranger station.
Rainbow Pool – A Great Swimming Hole on the South Fork of the Tuolumne
photo by adam blauert
A cool place to cool off
If you’re looking for a place to cool off in the water, many areas will be more dangerous than usual.
One of the places that you can go for some reliable water recreation on a summer afternoon is the ever-popular Rainbow Pool on the South Fork of the Tuolumne River.
A short waterfall drops into the pool, providing a beautiful backdrop and keeping the water fresh.
The parking area has been repaved, and access has been improved. Restrooms are provided and you can enjoy a picnic lunch between dips in the water.
Rainbow Pool isn’t the kind of place where you are going to find a lot of solitude, but that’s part of what makes it a great place for families. There are generally plenty of people around should any kind of emergency occur.
Your kids are likely to find others to splash and swim with. It’s lose to Highway 120 and easy to find – no wandering around on confusing dirt roads way back in the forest.
How to find the location
To get to this swimming hole, drive 15 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120. Watch for signs on the right side of the road.
Signs for Cherry Lake Road on the left side are another indicator that you are there. Turn right into the day use area and find a parking spot beneath the trees. The swimming hole is just a few steps down the hill.
Traffic is routed through the parking lot in a one-way loop.
Don’t be alarmed when the road takes you under the highway bridge and parallel with the highway on your way out of the lot. It will connect with the highway at the Cherry Lake Road.
Located so close to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance, it’s a great place to stop on a Yosemite vacation. You can extend your trip by camping at a nearby campground. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy a multi-day trip to Yosemite is to camp outside the park in one of the nearby campgrounds.
While campgrounds inside the park are booked almost the moment that reservations become available and non-reserved sites are hit-or-miss, campgrounds outside the park boundaries are much better bet.
Campgrounds near Rainbow Pool
You can check current conditions by clicking on each campground above.
Or calling (209) 962-7825.
Watch for brown and white signs with tent icons along Highway 120 to find the campgrounds.
All are operated by the US Forest Service and generally charge less than $25/night.
Diamond O can be reserved in advance through www.recreation.gov, the federal government’s reservation service.
I saw an angler catch a rainbow trout on nearly his first cast into the river above the swimming area. The Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks this part of the river.
Safety First
Now that I’ve gotten you excited about swimming here, remember that all outdoor recreation carries certain risks with it. Swimming is safest in protected pools without strong currents.
Currents may not always be visible to the naked eye, so investigate carefully. Only jump into water if you have carefully ascertained that there is enough depth to do so, and never dive off a rock or cliff. If you are not a strong swimmer, wear a life vest to help you float.
“Water wings” and other flotation devices for children are also strongly recommended, even if they have strong swimming skills.
Most people enjoy swimming in natural pools without any real danger, but every year a few people die from making bad choices.
I write all of these warnings because my goal is to help people make fun memories in the great outdoors and to prevent further tragedies.
The outdoors provides millions of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, physical challenges, and bonding among family members and friends.
Get out and have a great time, just don’t forget safety in the process.
Swimming in developed, popular areas like Rainbow Pool provides an added degree of safety and a bit more peace of mind for Mom!
Adam Blauert, a high school teacher and avid outdoors enthusiast, has dedicated the majority of his life to Merced County. His passions include fishing, backpacking, delving into local history, and exploring the wonders of the western states.