Folsom Lake offers getaway close to home

Editor's Note: With the high price of gasoline these days, many people are thinking twice before hopping into their vehicles for a weekend away. But, relief is in sight. This is the first article in a series of three about how to get away without going too far.For anyone who thinks they need several tanks of gas to get away for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, think again.Folsom Lake Recreation Area is just minutes away for Loomis and Penryn residents offering opportunities galore for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding and boating. Visitors can spend the day or with a little planning, camp for the weekend.According to Michael Gross, superintendent of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, two forks of the American River form Folsom Lake. The lake features 12,000 acres with a storage capacity of 1 million area feet. It offers 75 miles of shoreline and is part of Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills and even some parts of Orangevale.Access for Loomis residents is available off Auburn Folsom at Rattlesnake Bar where there is not only lake access but also a parking area and trails to Avery Pond.For fishing enthusiasts, Gross said this time of year bass and salmon are being caught near Rattlesnake and Negro bar areas. Although fishing is available year-round before attempting to catch anything, fishing licenses and permits are required.For those wishing to camp on their boats registration is required at either Granite Bay entrance station or the main office at Folsom Lake Marina, located in Brown's Ravine. Boaters should be aware that vessels are inspected to verify that they meet all regulations including that they have a self-contained sanitary unit. The unit must be Coast Guard approved, and have a holding tank that has a tight and perfect closure at all times and is installed in a location that affords complete privacy for the user. The vessel must also have proper sleeping accommodations for all persons on board.Boaters during the day should be aware that all children 12 years and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Gross recommends everyone wear vests because weather conditions can change quickly while out on the water and currently the water level is decreasing, which increases the hazards that can pop up in the lake. Visitors to Folsom Lake who prefer to stay on land can make reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 to stay overnight and the area features several group picnic sites that can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. With about 69 campsites in Beals Point in Granite Bay and 100 sites in the Peninsula area in El Dorado County demand is high especially during the warm months."We tend to fill up fast during the summer but in the winter months it's fairly easy to get a site," Gross said.Cyclists can enjoy the 32-mile long bicycle path that connects Folsom Lake with several Sacramento County parks before reaching Old Sacramento.Ralph Lubick, 70, from Folsom and his friends Donna Cunningham and Kerry Wilson of Newcastle are regulars to the bike path and usually get in 60 to 70 miles each day."This is just part of our lifestyle," said Wilson, who was in a car accident a few years ago sustaining two breaks in his neck. "I'm just getting back into this."Wilson said before he retired from the business world he often brought business associates from out of town to Folsom Lake to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings."You can be on this trail and never know you're close to a city," Lubick said.Folsom Recreation Area is also the site of about 400 special events each year including triathlons, fishing tournaments and boat shows. In addition, each summer a junior lifeguard program is conducted, which teaches young people how to be safe while on the water.According to Kelli Evans, park aide, the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the busiest. However with so many schools back in session before September, the best time to visit is during the morning hours before the afternoon rush."I can tell the season is definitely coming to an end," Evans said.For more information about the Folsom State Recreation Area call 988-0205.