Columbia State Park
 
One of my favorite rides through the Sierra is to Columbia State Park. The town of Columbia dates back to the 1850's and is
one of the best preserved Gold Rush towns of the era. It is like stepping back in time. The locals and shop keepers dress in
period clothing and speaking of, period attire is available at Philip Schwartz Mercantile. There is a stage coach you can tour
the town and surrounding area in and you can pan for gold. Getting there is easy and there are many points of historical
significance along the way, including Mark Twains' cabin on Jackass Hill Road off Highway 49 in Tuttletown. Starting in Jackson,
California, head south on HWY 49 about 39 miles through the towns of Mokelumne Hill, San Andreas, and Angels Camp. Cross
the bridge into Toulumne County and through Tuttletown to Springfield Road. There is a sign at the highway pointing to Columbia
State Park so even with the awesome scenery as a distraction, it is easy to find. Take a left on Springfield Road about half a mile
to Broadway Street/Parrots Ferry Road and in another half a mile take a right on Jackson Street. You will come to a large parking
area with restrooms. Curve around to the left to Main Street. I like to park my bike in front of the St. Charles Saloon and have myself
an old fashioned Sarsparilla before walking into town. One of the first buildings you will see is the fire station, complete with horse
drawn fire wagons and even a 1850's hearse. As you walk down Main Street there is a working Blacksmith shop with lots of
handmade items for sale. The Pioneer Emporium features period fabrics and dolls and there is usually a folk musician strumming
on a guitar right out front. There are numerous restaurants and old-fashioned candy stores and Columbia even brews it's own
brand of soda pop. MMM, Birch Beer! The courthouse has a U.S. flag dating back to 1853 and a Stagecoach just outside to
take you on a tour of the town. On the left is an area with interesting rock formations and a sluice box where you can do some
gold panning. A little further down the block is an old theatre/playhouse and a Masonic temple around the corner to your right.
So enjoy a walking tour of Columbia State Park and hope to see you on the road. KEEP THE SHINY SIDE UP!