Welcome to Lake Natoma
at Black Miners Bar

Lake Natoma is California’s premiere paddling reservoir! Beautiful scenery, limited wind exposure, no motorized craft over 5 miles/hour (motorboats are extremely rare here) and mandated full lake levels create the perfect paddling paradise. The lake’s orientation runs east to west, approximately five miles in length. There really isn't anything like this, with green riparian shorelines full of wildlife and incredibly easy public access through the California State Park. 

Lake Natoma is rich in history. The river canyon was used as a transportation route for the Native Americans for thousands of years. During the California Gold Rush the area was bustling with miners searching to strike it rich. 

Lake Natoma is part of the larger Folsom State Recreation Area, which serves as a buffer reservoir for flows released from Folsom Dam upstream. Once the water moves through Lake Natoma, it flows into the lower 26 miles of the American River and the adjoining American River Parkway.