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Foresthill, California
Foresthill, California
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Foresthill is a census-designated place (CDP) in Placer County, California, United States. It is part of the Sacramento metropolitan area. The population was 1,692 at the 2020 census, up from 1,483 at the 2010 census.

Key Information

History

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Gold specimen from the Eagles Nest mine, about 2 miles east of Foresthill. This is the premier mine for specimen gold in California, and this specimen appeared on the cover of a book and a major magazine. Among mineral collectors, it is widely known as the "Cover Gold". Size 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm.

Foresthill is located on a broad ridge between the North and Middle Forks of the American River on the gold-bearing gravel bed of an ancient river.

In the spring of 1850, miners came to the Forest Hill Divide in large numbers. There was one route from Auburn through Yankee Jim's and one from Coloma. At the junction of these trails, the Forest House hotel and trading post was built. The height of mining activity in Foresthill began in 1853 after a winter landslide at the head of Jenny Lind Canyon exposed numerous nuggets of gold. The Jenny Lind mine produced about $2,500 of gold a day for a while, up to a total output over $1 million by 1880. The combined production of all the mines in the Forest Hill area was estimated at $10 million by 1868[6] with gold selling for $16 an ounce.

In the 1860s, there were about 125,000 feet (38,000 m) of hard-rock tunnels dug into the hillsides in, around and under Foresthill. By 1857, this area had become an important center for trade among the many gold camps on the divide. In 1862, the Hardy-Kennedy building was erected - the first fireproof store in Foresthill. This building, now known as the Langstaff building, is still being used by the merchants of Foresthill.

By 1880, Foresthill was one of the largest towns in Placer County, with an 80-foot (24 m) wide main street. Today the town has a marker identifying it as a California Historical Landmark.[6] The marker is located at 24540 Main Street.

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau Foresthill has a total area of 11.2 square miles (29 km2), all of it land.

Climate

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Foresthill has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate that is characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers (Köppen climate classification Csa).

Climate data for Foresthill, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 51.9
(11.1)
53.8
(12.1)
58.2
(14.6)
63.2
(17.3)
71.8
(22.1)
80.9
(27.2)
89.0
(31.7)
89.0
(31.7)
82.2
(27.9)
70.6
(21.4)
57.7
(14.3)
51.6
(10.9)
68.3
(20.2)
Daily mean °F (°C) 43.1
(6.2)
44.3
(6.8)
47.4
(8.6)
51.3
(10.7)
59.8
(15.4)
67.8
(19.9)
75.3
(24.1)
75.3
(24.1)
70.1
(21.2)
60.1
(15.6)
49.5
(9.7)
42.4
(5.8)
57.2
(14.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 34.2
(1.2)
34.7
(1.5)
36.6
(2.6)
39.5
(4.2)
47.7
(8.7)
54.8
(12.7)
61.6
(16.4)
61.5
(16.4)
57.9
(14.4)
49.6
(9.8)
41.2
(5.1)
33.1
(0.6)
46.0
(7.8)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 10.01
(254)
7.73
(196)
7.25
(184)
4.04
(103)
2.26
(57)
0.63
(16)
0.08
(2.0)
0.20
(5.1)
0.74
(19)
2.95
(75)
6.77
(172)
9.04
(230)
51.69
(1,313)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 8.0
(20)
6.4
(16)
5.3
(13)
2.0
(5.1)
0.1
(0.25)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0.7
(1.8)
3.2
(8.1)
25.7
(65)
Average precipitation days 10 10 10 7 5 2 0 1 2 5 8 9 69
Source 1: PRISM Climate Group[7]
Source 2: Western Regional Climate Center[8]

Points of Interest

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Foresthill Bridge

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
19801,304
19901,4098.1%
20001,79127.1%
20101,483−17.2%
20201,69214.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9] 1980[10]
1990[11] 2000[12] 2010[13]

Foresthill first appeared as a census designated place in the 1980 United States census.[10]

The 2020 United States census reported that Foresthill had a population of 1,692. The population density was 151.3 inhabitants per square mile (58.4/km2). The racial makeup of Foresthill was 1,367 (80.8%) White, 7 (0.4%) African American, 41 (2.4%) Native American, 10 (0.6%) Asian, 1 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 26 (1.5%) from other races, and 240 (14.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 161 persons (9.5%).[14]

The whole population lived in households. There were 673 households, out of which 153 (22.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 338 (50.2%) were married-couple households, 26 (3.9%) were cohabiting couple households, 107 (15.9%) had a female householder with no partner present, and 202 (30.0%) had a male householder with no partner present. 199 households (29.6%) were one person, and 80 (11.9%) were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.51.[14] There were 429 families (63.7% of all households).[15]

The age distribution was 368 people (21.7%) under the age of 18, 115 people (6.8%) aged 18 to 24, 451 people (26.7%) aged 25 to 44, 447 people (26.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 311 people (18.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.1 males.[14]

There were 756 housing units at an average density of 67.6 units per square mile (26.1 units/km2), of which 673 (89.0%) were occupied. Of these, 502 (74.6%) were owner-occupied, and 171 (25.4%) were occupied by renters.[14]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Foresthill is a census-designated place (CDP) in Placer County, California, situated in the western Sierra Nevada foothills approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Auburn, with a 2020 population of 1,692. Originally established as a Gold Rush mining camp in 1850 along the North and Middle Forks of the American River, it grew into one of Placer County's largest towns by 1880, boasting a population of 688 and supporting extensive hydraulic mining operations that produced significant gold yields. The area's geography features a rugged terrain at an elevation of about 3,228 feet (984 meters), encompassing 11.2 square miles of forested landscapes within the Tahoe National Forest and adjacent to the Auburn State Recreation Area, which offers extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting on the Class III and IV rapids of the North Fork American River. A defining landmark is the Foresthill Bridge, a cantilever truss structure with a main span of 862 feet (263 m) and total length of 2,428 feet (740 m) across the North Fork canyon at a deck height of 730 feet (223 meters), making it the tallest bridge in California and the fourth tallest in the United States by deck height; completed in 1973 as part of an unbuilt dam project, it now serves as a key access point for recreation and connects the Foresthill Divide to the Sacramento metropolitan area. Historically, lumbering complemented as a vital industry, with timber harvested for mine supports, town construction, and fuel during the , exemplified by operations like the Lumber Company that persisted into the . Today, Foresthill's economy revolves around , , , and small-scale , attracting visitors to its Gold Rush-era artifacts, the Foresthill Divide , and proximity to over 100 miles of trails in the surrounding public lands. The community maintains a rural character, with a of about 14% from 2010 to 2020, though it remains unincorporated and governed by Placer County.

History

Founding During the Gold Rush

Foresthill was established in 1850 as a gold mining camp on the Foresthill Divide in , emerging as one of the earliest explored areas during the when prospectors arrived in the spring of that year seeking placer deposits along the Sierra Nevada foothills. The first settler in the vicinity was Dr. F. Walton Todd, who arrived in June 1849 and established a presence in what became known as Todd's Valley, a nearby community named in his honor. A pivotal event accelerating Foresthill's growth was the discovery of the in 1852, which sparked intense activity. The mine achieved peak production of approximately $2,500 in per day and yielded over $1 million in total output by 1880. Overall, the region's mines, employing hydraulic, drift, and unique cement-tunnel techniques to extract from ancient river gravels, produced about $10 million by 1868. By the late , Foresthill had evolved into one of Placer County's largest towns, supported by early infrastructure that included an 80-foot-wide lined with hotels, stores, banks, saloons, and homes to accommodate the influx of miners and merchants. This development laid the foundation for the community's expansion, though mining's dominance began to wane in the late as resources depleted.

20th and 21st Century Evolution

Following the decline of surface gold deposits in Foresthill after 1880, mining activities shifted to deeper methods, which remained viable until the early 1900s before largely fading as resources were exhausted. As mining waned, the local economy transitioned to lumbering, which had supported the industry during its peak and became the primary activity, with mills like the Lumber Company providing wood for regional construction and fueling the community's survival into the . Small-scale and ranching also emerged among remaining families, supplementing income through farming settlements and operations along the Foresthill Divide. In the mid-20th century, infrastructure improvements marked a significant shift toward recreation and accessibility. The , completed and opened to the public on 1973 as part of efforts to support the proposed project, spans the North Fork at 730 feet high, enhancing connections to the surrounding Auburn State Recreation Area and promoting through easier access to , , and historic sites. This development helped transform Foresthill from an isolated mining remnant into a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts. From the late 20th century into the 21st, Foresthill evolved into a bedroom community for commuters to Sacramento and Auburn amid suburban growth and recreational appeal. efforts gained prominence, including the designation of the town as No. 399 in 1948, with the marker at 24540 highlighting structures like the Hardy-Kennedy Building, constructed in 1862 as the area's first fireproof store. Recent initiatives emphasize the recognition of these preserved buildings and Foresthill's integration into Sierra Nevada , promoting sustainable visits to gold-era sites and natural landscapes to support local heritage and economy.

Geography

Physical Geography

Foresthill is a (CDP) in , , positioned on a prominent ridge known as the Foresthill Divide between the North Fork and Middle Fork of the . This location places it within the Sierra Nevada foothills and integrates it into the broader Sacramento–Arden–Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The geographic coordinates for Foresthill are approximately 39°01′13″N 120°49′05″W, with an elevation of 3,228 feet (984 m) above . The CDP encompasses a total area of 11.185 (28.97 km²), consisting entirely of land with no incorporated water bodies. This results in a of about 151 people per (as of the 2020 census), reflecting its rural, expansive character. The topography of Foresthill is defined by the Foresthill Divide, which features steep riverine canyons, undulating hills, and dense forested areas typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills, dominated by mixed oak and conifer woodlands. These landforms shape local hydrology as part of the American River watershed, directing surface water flows into the river system and contributing to seasonal variations in water availability. Additionally, the rugged terrain and vegetation cover elevate the area's susceptibility to wildfires, a common environmental hazard in the region. Foresthill's environmental setting is closely tied to the adjacent Auburn State Recreation Area, which encompasses over 100 miles of trails and river access points, underscoring the CDP's integration into the natural watershed and recreational landscape of Placer County.

Climate

Foresthill has a hot-summer classified as Köppen Csa, featuring cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Data from the Western Regional Climate Center for the 1991-2020 period indicate an average annual of 55.55 inches (1,411 mm), with the majority falling from to , and an average annual snowfall of 2.6 inches (7 cm). Average temperatures show a January low of 34.2°F (1.2°C) and highs of 89.0°F (31.7°C) in both and ; the all-time record high is 109°F (43°C), while the record low is 0°F (-18°C). The region's of approximately 3,200 feet (980 m) and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains create localized microclimates, while the prolonged dry conditions in summer elevate risk significantly, placing Foresthill in the very high risk category compared to U.S. communities.

Notable Landmarks

One of the most prominent landmarks in Foresthill is the , a 2,428-foot-long steel deck truss bridge completed in 1973 that spans the North Fork American River canyon. At 730 feet above the river, it stands as the tallest bridge in by deck height and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding foothills, attracting visitors for photography and scenic overlooks. The bridge also provides essential access to downstream recreation areas, enhancing connectivity for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the region. California Historical Landmark No. , designated in 1948, commemorates the town's origins as a key settlement and is marked at 24540 . Foresthill's location borders the expansive Auburn State Recreation Area, a 40-mile stretch along the North and Middle Forks of the that draws tourists for its diverse outdoor pursuits. Accessible via Foresthill Road from the bridge, the area features extensive trails for hiking and boating, including the Codfish Creek section known for its 65-foot seasonal and easy 1.7-mile path suitable for families. These sites emphasize the region's natural allure, with river access points supporting activities like and picnicking amid historic landscapes. The Main Street historic district preserves Foresthill's 19th-century mining heritage through its collection of Gold Rush-era architecture, where original buildings now host local businesses and reflect the town's evolution from a bustling camp to a quiet foothill community. Visitors can stroll the street to appreciate these facades, which blend seamlessly with the surrounding forested setting.

Demographics

2020 Census Data

According to the , Foresthill had a total of 1,692, representing a 14.1% increase from the 1,483 residents recorded in the 2010 Census. The racial and ethnic composition of Foresthill's was predominantly (non-Hispanic), accounting for 77.7% (1,315 individuals), followed by 9.2% (156 individuals) identifying as two or more races. Other groups included 2.2% (38 individuals) American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% (7 individuals) Black or African American, 0.4% (7 individuals) Asian, 0.4% (7 individuals) some other race, and 0.1% (1 individual) Native Hawaiian and Other . Additionally, 9.5% (161 individuals) of the identified as or Latino of any race. The median age in Foresthill was 39.8 years, with a gender distribution of 50.4% male (853 individuals) and 49.6% female (839 individuals). There were 673 households in Foresthill, with an average household size of 2.51 persons; of these, approximately 78.5% were family households and 21.5% were non-family households. Housing data from the 2020 Census indicated 756 total housing units, of which 83.6% (673 units) were occupied, reflecting a vacancy rate of 11.0%. Foresthill's population stood at 1,791 in 2000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but declined to 1,483 by 2010, reflecting a decrease of 17.2% over the decade. This downturn was followed by a rebound, with the population rising to 1,692 in the 2020 decennial census, marking a growth rate of 14.1% from 2010 to 2020 and driven primarily by the expansion of the . The resurgence in population has been influenced by in-migration, positioning Foresthill as a rural commuter for workers in the nearby Sacramento region, where residents seek a quieter while maintaining access to urban employment opportunities. Despite this growth, the area's low of 151 people per has preserved its small-town character and appeal as an alternative to denser urban suburbs. Projections indicate continued modest expansion, with an estimated of 1,619 by mid-2025, aligned with broader Placer County trends of steady increase fueled by relative affordability compared to core Sacramento urban areas. Key challenges to sustained growth include an aging demographic, evidenced by the median age increasing from 37.5 years in 2000 to 39.8 years in 2020, alongside minor seasonal fluctuations tied to in the Placer County .

Economy

Key Sectors

Foresthill's economy is sustained primarily by and , driven by its proximity to the Auburn State Recreation Area and the iconic , which attract visitors for outdoor activities such as , off-highway vehicle trails, on the , and scenic viewpoints. These attractions support local businesses including outfitters, lodging, and guided tours, contributing to the community's economic vitality through seasonal visitor spending. Small-scale and ranching also play a significant role in the landscape, with operations focusing on organic crops like walnuts, pastured meats, and sustainable land uses that preserve open spaces. Other industries include retail and services concentrated along , offering essentials to residents and tourists in a historic downtown setting. Forestry and related products draw on the Sierra Nevada's timber resources, with local operations and vegetation management companies providing employment and supporting forest stewardship. Limited remnants of historical mining sites serve as draws for , enhancing visitor interest without active large-scale extraction. As part of Placer County's Foothills Region, Foresthill benefits from broader economic trends where and are expanding sectors, with accounting for approximately 13% of county employment and showing strong growth in the region. Natural resources and together represent about 7% of jobs, reflecting ongoing development in the area. Foresthill functions mainly as a , with its bolstered by residents commuting to the for opportunities in government, technology, and agriculture sectors. The Foresthill Divide promotes local commerce, industry, and recreation to foster self-sustaining growth.

Labor Force Characteristics

The median household income in Foresthill was $102,632 in 2020, according to the . Approximately 48% of households earned under $100,000 annually. The poverty rate stood at 8.25%, which is lower than the California state average of around 12%. The unemployment rate aligned closely with Placer County figures, at 4.7% as of 2025. Labor force participation was approximately 60%, with a significant portion of the workforce commuting to the Sacramento metropolitan area for opportunities in government, healthcare, and technology. In terms of employment distribution, reflecting Placer County trends, significant portions of workers are engaged in health care and social assistance (about 13%), retail trade (about 12%), and construction (part of natural resources and construction at 7%). The local job market experienced 36.5% growth from 2010 to 2019, with projections for moderate growth over the 2020s aligned with state averages of around 10%. Key challenges facing the labor force include seasonal variations in tourism-related positions and periodic disruptions from wildfires, which can temporarily halt operations in , services, and outdoor sectors.

Education

K-12 Education

The K-12 education system in Foresthill, California, is primarily served by the Foresthill Union School District (FUSD), which operates two public schools for grades through 8. FUSD's Foresthill Elementary School, located at 24750 and reopened in July 2024 after being closed since 2013, enrolls students in grades through 3, while Foresthill Divide School, at 22888 Foresthill Road, serves grades 4 through 8. The district's total enrollment was 471 students during the 2023-2024 school year (prior to the reopening of Foresthill Elementary), with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 24:1. For grades 9 through 12, students attend Foresthill High School, part of the Placer Union High School District, located at 23319 Foresthill Road. The school had an enrollment of 194 students in the 2023-2024 school year and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1, supporting programs in academics such as courses, athletics including 16 sports teams, and counseling services for college and career preparation. An alternative public option is Forest Charter School, a K-12 tuition-free offering a hybrid and home-school model with plans aligned to state standards. Its Foresthill Learning Center provides in-person support, cooperative classes, and resources for families in the area, emphasizing flexible, student-centered education. Schools in Foresthill receive average ratings from , with Foresthill Divide at 5/10 and Foresthill High at 8/10 based on test scores, equity, and college readiness metrics.

Educational Attainment

In Foresthill, educational attainment levels reflect the community's rural character and proximity to urban centers. According to the 2017-2021 (ACS), the state average shows approximately 84% of residents aged 25 and older have graduated from high school or attained a higher level of , while about 35% hold a or higher. Age demographics influence educational pathways in the community. The 2020 Census indicates that 20.3% of Foresthill's population is under 18 years old, primarily engaged in K-12 education, while 8.0% are aged 18 to 24, a group often transitioning to post-secondary opportunities. Working-age adults (25-64) demonstrate relatively higher attainment rates, potentially supported by commuting access to jobs in nearby Auburn and Sacramento that value advanced education. Access to higher education requires travel, as Foresthill lacks local colleges or universities. Residents commonly attend in Rocklin, approximately 25 miles away, for associate degrees and vocational programs, or , about 50 miles distant, for bachelor's and graduate studies. Community programs supplement formal education, particularly for adults and youth. The Placer School for Adults, operated through the Placer Union High School District in coordination with the Placer County Office of Education, offers classes in high school completion, GED preparation, English as a , and career technical education. Additionally, the Foresthill Club provides hands-on vocational training in and forestry-related skills for youth, fostering practical knowledge tied to the local economy.

Government and Infrastructure

Political Representation

Foresthill is an unincorporated (CDP) in , and thus lacks its own municipal government, falling under the jurisdiction of the Placer County . The community is specifically within Supervisorial District 5, represented by Cindy Gustafson, who oversees local policy implementation, zoning, and public services for the area. Community input on matters such as land use and infrastructure is provided through advisory bodies, including the Foresthill Forum, a resident-appointed group that advises the Board on local issues. Additionally, the Foresthill District (PUD) manages essential services like and sewer systems, operating independently but in coordination with county oversight to serve approximately 2,000 connections. At the state level, Foresthill residents are represented in the by District 1's , a Republican elected in 2024, who focuses on rural and relevant to foothill communities. In the , the area is part of District 4, represented by , a Democrat, addressing issues like and agricultural policy that impact Placer County's rural zones. Federally, Foresthill lies within , represented by Kevin Kiley, a Republican, who advocates for and funding in Sierra Foothill regions. The political landscape in Foresthill reflects the broader conservative-leaning tendencies of rural Placer County, where Republican voter registration significantly outpaces Democratic affiliation, as evidenced by data showing over 112,000 Republicans compared to about 92,000 Democrats. This alignment influences local priorities, with strong community involvement in Placer County planning efforts to promote sustainable growth while preserving natural landscapes and historical sites.

Transportation and Utilities

Foresthill's primary road access is provided by Foresthill Road, a key arterial that connects the community to California State Route 193 east of Auburn, facilitating regional travel through Placer County's forested terrain. The , spanning the North Fork of the , serves as a critical link on this route, standing as California's tallest bridge at 730 feet above the canyon floor and originally constructed in 1973 to support local connectivity. This 2,428-foot-long steel truss structure underwent a major project initiated by Caltrans in 1999 and completed in 2013, which included reinforcements to enhance earthquake resilience, repainting, and railing upgrades managed by Placer County. Public transportation options in Foresthill remain limited, with no dedicated local rail or air services available, leading to heavy reliance on personal vehicles for daily mobility. Residents typically access Placer County Transit bus services in nearby Auburn, which offer connections to Sacramento via express routes like the Auburn to line operating hourly on weekdays and Saturdays. The mean commute time to work for Foresthill residents is approximately 33.2 minutes, reflecting the community's rural setting and dependence on automotive travel. Essential utilities in Foresthill are managed by the Foresthill Public Utility District (FPUD), which supplies potable sourced from local wells and surface water including the , while also operating the community's sewer collection and treatment systems. As part of its , FPUD maintains fire hydrants to support response, though services are handled separately by the Foresthill District. Electricity is provided by (PG&E), which serves the area under its territory and has initiated undergrounding projects for over 40 miles of power lines to mitigate ignition risks. In recent improvements, FPUD completed a replacement project along 6,700 feet of Foresthill Road in 2023, installing new fire hydrants to boost flow for and aid compliance with homeowner requirements amid heightened threats. Infrastructure challenges in Foresthill center on mitigation and road safety, given the community's location in a high-risk Sierra Nevada foothill zone. Defensible space programs, mandated under California Public Resources Code 4291, encourage residents to create 100-foot buffers around structures by clearing in designated zones to slow fire spread and protect homes, with inspections available through CAL FIRE for Areas. Placer County addresses transportation safety through Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding, including projects in Foresthill such as the installation of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at crosswalks and a dynamic flashing speed limit sign to reduce collision risks on local roads.

References

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