The great thing about the Bay Area is that, in every direction you head on land, there is something beautiful to be seen. A nice fusion of nature and populated areas. If you head east, you'll inevitable pass through California Gold Rush country with historic buildings dating back to the mid-1800s.

Driving from Moaning Cavern to Columbia, a former gold rush era boomtown, you'll cross the New Melones Lake. The lake is a reservoir created by the construction of the New Melones Dam. Looking northward from the bridge is Deadman Gulch, of which you can see Deadman Bar in the lower right of the photo.

One of the many scenic spots in California's gold rush region.