BOCA TOWNSITE INTERPRETIVE LOOP

If a train happens by as you’re standing on the trail of the old Boca Townsite, close your eyes and imagine life in the late 1800s in this once-thriving town of primarily men. They were here to work on the Central Pacific Railroad, mill lumber and harvest ice for the Boca Mill and Ice Company, and eventually brew beer. The Boca Brewery was a monster operation that produced 20,000-30,000 barrels annually and won awards at the Paris World Fair in 1883.

Some of the men moving to Boca did bring their families with them. As you meander along the trail, you’ll find remnants of a schoolhouse, an old cemetery, and tons of artifacts from homes, a postal office, train depot, hotel, Chinese Laundry, general store, dairy, butcher shop, brothel, blacksmith, saloon, and more.

The trail is exposed, so bring a hat. It’s also brimming with foxtails, so be careful about bringing your dog. The site is located along Stampede Meadows Road, over the railroad tracks, before reaching Boca Dam.

Find out: What was the population of Boca in its heyday?