Overview

Harvey West Cabin is located on the west bank of the Silver Fork American River, and provides a comfy getaway for those looking for conveniences like a kitchen and hot showers with riverside recreation options. The cabin has beds for 12 people, and comfortably fits 20 people if some don't mind sleeping on the floor or out on the deck. Access is easy by road, and the cabin sits across the bridge from China Flat Campground.

The cabin was constructed in the early 1930s by the Sacramento Box and Lumber Company as an office and recreational facility, and later purchased by Harvey West, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist. He used the cabin as a summer retreat for his family from 1936 to the early 1970s.

Natural Features:

The cabin sits among Ponderosa pine and cedar trees along the Silver Fork of the South Fork American River, at an elevation of 4,720 feet. Gold was found in this river in 1848, creating the famed California Gold Rush. The region's climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Recreation:

Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is a popular activity on the river. Other pleasant pastimes include bird watching, hiking and wading in the river. China Flat Campground offers a picnic area and relaxing beach on the riverbank.

Facilities:

The 2,000-square-foot cabin can accommodate up to 20 people comfortably. A large deck overlooks the Silver Fork and is an excellent place for an additional sleeping area. The two-level cabin has a large, open great room, dining room, kitchen, two downstairs bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms and two large lofts overlooking the great room.

Both bathrooms come with sinks and flush toilets; one has a shower. The great room has a propane heater, propane lights, appliances and a large stone fireplace. The kitchen area has a double sink, hot and cold water, a propane stove and oven, propane refrigerator and a basic assortment of pots, pans and utensils. Sleeping accommodations include one queen bed, two double beds, four single beds and two cots.

The cabin does not have electricity and guests should bring fuel for propane appliances. Guests should bring bedding or sleeping bags, food in sealed containers, toilet paper, sunscreen, matches, flashlights, a compass and map and spare clothing, Firewood can be purchased at China Flat Campground.

Nearby Attractions:

The town of Kyburz is 2 miles away and provides a cafe and general store.