Eldorado

If you take Highway 50 east out of Placerville, you're driving through the Eldorado National Forest. The area was originally settled during the 1849 gold rush by miners who named it "The Land of Gold". Although people don't go there seeking their fortune anymore, there are still plenty of reasons to come. Today the forest has more than 400 miles of hiking trails, two ski resorts, lakes for fishing, swimming and boating. Campers come from all over the country to enjoy the beautiful rivers and reservoirs.