Best attractions and places to see around Martell include a mix of historical sites and natural features. The region features significant historical landmarks related to gold mining and early Californian settlements. Visitors can explore rivers, reservoirs, and trails, offering diverse outdoor experiences. This area provides insights into both natural landscapes and the historical development of the region.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Along much Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail cyclists and equestrians are welcome. However, this section near the Mokelumne River is for hikers only, and another section, further from the river, allows multiuse access. So hikers should be able to enjoy their walk here without much worry of encountering faster riders either on two wheels or four legs.
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The Mokelumne River gets its name from the Miwok language and it means "People of the fish net". Like many rivers in this part of California it rises in the Sierra Nevada and eventually flows in to the San Francisco Bay. Along the way it allows people to enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in or around its cool waters.
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The Pardee Dam was built across the Mokelumne River between 1927 and 1929. Upon its completion the Pardee Reservoir was created. Fishing, hiking, and camping are popular with boat rentals being available as well.
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National Hotel is in continuous operation since 1869, making it one of the oldest in California. Recently renovated in 2012.
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Jackson was founded in 1848 around a year-round spring by American pioneers stimulated by the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills. The settlement was named for a local lawyer who was liked by miners named Colonel Alden Appola Moore Jackson. The camp grew quickly, as besides being a popular mining spot, it was also a convenient stopping place on the road from Sacramento to the Southern Mines and important supply and transportation center for the neighboring towns; by 1850 the population had reached an estimated 1,500. Jackson grew first as a watering hole for cattle, then as one of the earliest and most durable of the Mother Lode's hard rock mining areas. In 1853, Jackson became the county seat of newly formed Amador County, California. Previously, from 1851β1852, it had been the county seat of Calaveras County. Jackson may therefore be the only city to have ever been county seat of two different counties at different times. Placer mining gave out by the 1860s, replaced by hard rock mining. One of the town's most prominent historical landmarks, the Kennedy Mine, began operation in 1860; at the time of its closure during World War II in 1942, it was the deepest gold mine in North America, at 1802 meters; (5912 ft). On August 27, 1922 47 miners in the Argonaut mine died in the worst gold mine disaster in US history. In Oct, 1942 the US government passed the War Production Board Limitation Order which signaled the demise of gold mining in California. The government needed men for the war and gold was not considered a strategic war metal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson,_California
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Around Martell, you can discover significant natural water features. The Mokelumne River, whose name means "People of the fish net" in the Miwok language, flows from the Sierra Nevada to the San Francisco Bay, offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, the Pardee Reservoir, an artificial lake created by the Pardee Dam, is popular for fishing, hiking, and camping, with boat rentals available.
Yes, Martell is rich in historical sites, particularly related to gold mining and early Californian settlements. You can visit Jackson Historic Gold Mining Downtown, which was founded in 1848 and grew as a significant mining spot and supply center. Jackson was home to the Kennedy Mine, once the deepest gold mine in North America. Another notable historical landmark is the National Hotel, which has been in continuous operation since 1869, making it one of California's oldest hotels.
Martell offers diverse hiking experiences. A notable option is the Mokelumne Coast-to-Crest Trail (hiking only). This specific section near the Mokelumne River is designated exclusively for hikers, allowing for a peaceful walk without encountering cyclists or equestrians. Other sections of the trail may offer multi-use access.
Yes, the Pardee Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering activities like fishing, hiking, and camping, along with boat rentals. The historical downtown areas, such as Jackson Historic Gold Mining Downtown, can also be interesting for families looking to explore the region's past.
Beyond hiking, the area around Martell offers various outdoor activities. At Pardee Reservoir, you can enjoy fishing, camping, and boat rentals. The Mokelumne River provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. For road cycling enthusiasts, there are several routes around Martell, including loops from Jackson like the "Mokelumne River β Beautiful, quiet, paved road loop" or the "Irish Hill loop." You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Martell guide.
The Mokelumne River holds cultural and recreational significance. Its name originates from the Miwok language, meaning "People of the fish net." It's a vital waterway that flows from the Sierra Nevada mountains all the way to the San Francisco Bay, providing a scenic backdrop and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Yes, boat rentals are available at Pardee Reservoir, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy the lake for fishing or leisure activities.
The National Hotel is notable for being one of the oldest hotels in California, having been in continuous operation since 1869. It represents a significant piece of the region's historical past and has been recently renovated.
Jackson, California, has a rich gold mining history, founded in 1848 following the discovery of gold. It quickly became a crucial mining spot and a supply and transportation hub for the Southern Mines. It also served as the county seat for both Calaveras and later Amador County. The town was home to the Kennedy Mine, which was once the deepest gold mine in North America.
Yes, a specific section of the Mokelumne Coast-to-Crest Trail near the Mokelumne River is designated for hikers only. This ensures that hikers can enjoy their walk without the presence of cyclists or equestrians.
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings around Martell, from its significant historical sites related to gold mining and early Californian settlements to its beautiful natural features like rivers and reservoirs. The area provides a blend of cultural insights and outdoor experiences, with the komoot community sharing 14 photos of these attractions.


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