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Lake Natoma is one of the best-kept secrets of Folsom. Even though
it truly is situated in the 'heart' of the city, it is also one of
the most under-used facilities in the area. Lake Natoma is a small
Lake which gets its water from Folsom dam runoff and eventually is
dammed itself at the Nimbus Dam, which spills in to the American
River. All three of Folsom's
bridges span over Lake Natoma.
Perhaps the
biggest attraction to Lake Natoma is the CSUS
Aquatic Center. Sacramento State students have been using
the Lake for some time now for its men's and women's crew teams, and
the perfect rowing conditions make it a strong attraction for many
incoming students interested in rowing. The ideal surroundings of
Lake Natoma make it virtually wind-free in the mornings, and
consequently, it is considered one of the best places to row in the
United States. Every May, Lake Natoma is host to the Pacific Coast
Rowing Championships, whereas schools such as Sac State, Cal, UCLA,
Stanford, and Oregon compete for their championship titles. Lake
Natoma is also in the running for Olympic hopes - If San Francisco
eventually wins the hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, Lake Natoma
will be home of the rowing events. The CSUS Aquatic Center also
teaches classes on windsurfing, canoeing, as well as waterskiing and
jetskiing (on Folsom
Lake).
Lake Natoma
is also a very popular swimming area in the daytime as well as
fishing area in the early mornings. Those who are interested in
fishing may also be interested in checking out the Nimbus Fish
Hatchery (off Hazel Blvd) as well.
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