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From the Miwuk to the Mexican rancheros of Alta California to Asian and European settlers, the lure of Mariposa County has always been strong. And once they came — eureka or bust — the bounty and the beauty of this unique landscape made the decision to stay as easy as a warm day in the California sun. To help retrace these bold immigrants' footsteps we've put together a three day/two night itinerary along the Mariposa Gold Rush trail. Rugged, deep- rooted, and full of discoveries, this adventure is sure to satisfy everyone from free-spirits to families and, yes, fans of yesteryear. Day One: Coulterville Situated at the crossroads of the Golden Chain Highway (Hwy 49) and the John Muir Highway (J132), Coulterville is the historical heart of Northern Mariposa County. Its 42 designated historical buildings and easily walkable and are mortared with Gold Rush charm, while proud locals and weekend brunch add to the unique vibe of past meets present. Historical Happenings: The best way for visitors to get an aerial view of the Mariposa Gold Rush and Coulterville history is by visiting the Northern Mariposa County History Center. Partially set in the brick remnants of the local Wells Fargo office (1856) and the Coulterville Hotel, it features displays about early pioneers and the Gold Rush "boom" that followed. The ideal follow-up to the History Center is to get out on the street and see for yourself the architecture that's straight out of a blockbuster Western. Take the self-guided Coulterville walking tour and check out its nine historical plaques, not to mention such properties as the SunSun Wo Store — an integral part of the fascinating Chinese history of Yosemite Mariposa County. Day Two: Mariposa The scenic 27-mile drive from Coulterville to Mariposa winds south along Highway 49 offering visitors a glimpse of the rolling Sierra foothills just as they were during the Gold Rush. At the 10-mile mark, the road crosses the inlet of the Merced River as it feeds Lake McClure. An intriguing sidebar is the underwater ghost town of Bagby. Once a mining camp, hotel and important stop on the Yosemite Valley Railroad, it was submerged when Lake McClure was dammed. Now, Bagby is a campground and recreation area where remnants of the lost town can be seen seasonally when the water is low. Your arrival in the "big city" of Mariposa is greeted with a colorful cast of locals and tourists alike, not to mention a well-mapped grid of streets dotted with a mix of 63 historic buildings and Sierra-chic bars & restaurants. Set at 1,949 ft. (594 m), Mariposa is the hub of Central Mariposa County and boasts a rich history that pre-dates the Gold Rush. Today, Mariposa continues to evolve as the gateway to Yosemite National Park and is one of the few California towns of a certain size still without a stop light. Historical Happenings: For the historically-minded, there is a wealth of things to do in Mariposa. The Mariposa Museum & History Center brings the whole picture into focus with vivid displays on Gold Rush history, not to mention well-curated exhibits on Native American life in Yosemite Mariposa that include indigenous baskets, artifacts and an umacha — a teepee-shaped dwelling that's covered in cedar bark. Check out the California State Mining & Mineral Museum for a gem-centric dive into the precious metals that transformed California history. Located at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, the museum features Gold Rush historical documents, a re- created mining tunnel, and the Fricot Nugget — a 13.8-pound behemoth discovered in 1864, the largest remaining mass of crystalline gold from 19th century California. For those multi-taskers who like to stroll and learn, grab a map of Mariposa and check out historic buildings such as the rough- hewn Mariposa Jail and the Mariposa County Courthouse. Built in 1854, it's the oldest superior courthouse west of the Mississippi River. Day Three: Hornitos Your return day is just made for Hornitos. Located 20 miles from Mariposa, this hub of the Southern Mariposa County region punches well above its weight class in vivid Gold Rush history. There are several routes to get here, but all take you through the gentle sweep of Sierra foothill scenery where there are more galloping horses than cars and more rowdy tales than residents to tell them. Hornitos' small but mighty footprint is easily explored in a few hours — the perfect final stagecoach stop along the Mariposa Gold Rush trail. Historical Happenings: There's one essential thing to do in Hornitos: absorb Gold Rush history by walking its narrow lanes. Park in the main plaza and check out the architectural echos of years past such as the D. Ghirardelli & Co store, the Hornitos Masonic Hall and the austere, windswept St. Catherine's Church just up the hill. Yosemite waterfalls are like the cast of a blockbuster film. Some are superstars, always mugging for the camera. But it's the supporting cast that make the film an Academy Award Winner instead of a box-office bust. They fill out the story with depth and nuance. These lesser-known Yosemite waterfalls are agua from heaven for the dedicated nature buff and visiting them can take you from casual tourist to cascade connoisseur over the course of a day. From the hidden falls located well outside of Yosemite Valley, to the seasonal – blink and they're gone falls – that appear with the melting snow, many are surprised at just how many falls grace Yosemite other than the big names like Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls. Foresta Falls Location: Foresta (near Yosemite Valley) Drop: Multiple cascades with a 40 ft. (12 m) finale Best Time To See: Year-round, with best flows March-June Only six miles from Yosemite Valley, it's surprising how few visitors have explored Foresta and its fascinating history. The easy 1.8 mile out & back trail to Foresta Falls is actually a decommissioned dirt road with views of several tumbling cascades as it descends to a wholly satisfying 40 ft. (12 m) drop. Here, a ramshackle bridge provides a convenient platform for up-close views and photographs. Note: year-round residents live in Foresta so please be respectful and do not block driveways. Sentinel Falls Location: Yosemite Valley Drop: Multiple cascades from 50 to 500 ft., totaling 2,000 ft. Best Time To See: March- June, with peak flow in May Tumbling like a giant flume from the south rim of Yosemite Valley, this seasonal cascade drops nearly as far as its more famous counterpart across the way, Yosemite Falls. No serious hiking required, views can be had at Leidig Meadow, the Four- Mile Trailhead or the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area along the beautiful Merced River. Ribbon Fall Location: Yosemite Valley Drop: 1,612 ft. (491 m), single drop Best Time To See: March- June, with peak flow in May As the longest single-drop waterfall in North America, you'd think Ribbon Fall would be a household name. Its seasonal flow and lack of a trail leading to its base make this towering free-fall easy to overlook yet a highlight of Yosemite's lesser- known waterfalls. Tucked between massive granite faces just west of El Capitan, Ribbon Fall can be seen from various turnouts along Southside and Northside Roads. For the best bang for your buck, park at the Bridalveil Falls viewing area along southside drive, then turn around and view Ribbon Fall across the valley. Jackson Falls Region: Fish Camp (Central Mariposa County) Drop: Three-tier Best Time To See: March- November, or year-round when there is little snow For visitors staying in Fish Camp, or any adventurous souls wanting to explore the Sierra National Forest, the little-visited Jackson Falls can be a feather in your waterfalling cap. Finding the trailhead to Jackson Falls can be a bit tricky, but the payoff of three granite-carved pools is worth the effort. Along Highway 41 just south of the entrance to Tenaya at Yosemite, turn onto Jackson Road/Big Sandy (Road 6S67) leading to the Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. Drive approximately two miles until you reach an abandoned fruit orchard and an old driveway. Follow the driveway past the metal gate to an abandoned cabin and you are at the trailhead for Jackson Hole/ Lewis Fork Ditch. The mostly- wooded trail provides good cover and travels approximately .5 miles to the lowest pool at Jackson Falls. To continue, you must follow a manageable yet unmaintained path creekside up to the next two granite-bowl swimming holes that go by the names of Arrowhead and Skinny Dip respectively. About 2.5 miles round-trip. Covert Cascades: Lesser-Known Yosemite Waterfalls Chasing History: Three Days On The Mariposa Gold Rush Trail Couterville's historical offerings include the SunSun Wo Store, a mainstay of its once-thriving Chinese community. St. Catherine's Church and its graveyard is a must-see vista in historic Hornitos. The Mariposa County Courthouse is virtually unchanged since 1854. Foresta Falls is located in the small community of Foresta. Ribbon Fall appears in Spring just to the West of El Capitan. S4 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Advertising Section SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023