Five ways to beat the heat in El Dorado County

Summertime is the most wonderful time of year. After all, who doesn’t love sunshine, long days, flip flops, shorts, and everything else that comes with #notwinter?

But. There comes a time (usually around August) when the heat may start to get to you. Sure, you can head to an air-conditioned movie theater or mall, but why do that?

We’ve got better ideas. Five of them.

1. River rafting

The South Fork of the American River is El Dorado County’s signature river rafting location, offering Class I to III excitement. Trips range from a half-day to multiple days, so it’s up to you to decide how much you want to cool off. You’ll find a slew of professional whitewater rafting outfitters with the experience to ensure you have a safe and fun day. July through September is a good time for families and first-timers. Bring your swimsuit, your friends, and your family, and prepare to have fun and chill out!

Family at Gold Bug Mine, El Dorado County — The Gold Bug Mine is fun for all ages.

2. Gold Bug Park

Step back in time (and temperature) when you explore the only municipality-owned gold mine in California. The City of Placerville is literally sitting on a gold mine. Gold Bug Park & Mine is a real gold mine built into the side of a mountain. Fun fact: it’s a lot cooler inside the Gold Bug Mine than outside. The average temperature inside the mine is 55 F. When you combine that with the odds of finding your riches in their gem panning area, well, heading here on a hot day is a no-brainer.

Scoop of ice cream at Hangmans Tree, Placerville, CA — When you can’t decide between a cup or a cone of ice cream, get both!

3. Ice cream and other frozen treats

It’s a proven fact that a double-scoop of [insert your favorite flavor here] is a cure-all for darned near everything. El Dorado County is home to numerous cure-all vendors, including some of our favorites:

Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe – Now offering gelato

Yogaberry – Get your froyo fix on in El Dorado Hills Town Center, featuring a variety of flavors and toppings.

TW Bonkers – Enjoy ice cream, classic candy, treats, and more at this Main Street Placerville toy & candy emporium.

Shorty’s Donuts and Gelato – Gelato, donuts, and other treats at this Placerville location.

Richardson’s Ice Cream Parlor – Located at Camp Richardson, this old-fashioned ice cream parlor is a great treat after a dip in nearby Lake Tahoe.

man jumping into El Dorado County lake — There’s nothing as fun as jumping into the water to cool off.

4. Go jump (or swim) in a lake

You’ll find lakes upon lakes in El Dorado County, which means you’ve got tons of options. Whether you’re looking for a small alpine lake or something larger, balmy to ice-cold in temperature, shallow to too-deep-to-see-the-bottom, you’ll find your perfect swimming hole. Here are some locals’ favorites:

Desolation Wilderness – Home to Wrights Lake, Lake Aloha, Echo Lakes, and much more.
Ice House Reservoir
Loon Lake
Silver Lake
Jenkinson Lake
Folsom Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
And of course, Lake Tahoe

5. The power of suggestion

The town of Cool is full of (wait for it) cool places to explore. Pick up a coffee (iced, naturally) and a bite to eat at Cool Coffee & Crumbs. Their pastries and baked goods are delicious, and they also offer breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and more.

If a chilled adult beverage is more your style, check out Cool Beerwerks, a micro-brewery featuring handcrafted beer, Hawaiian-Japanese fusion cuisine, and live music. Try the Stinger Honey Ale, made with locally produced honey.