This quaint town in El Dorado County is a rural oasis in the heart of California’s gold country with endless outdoor recreation opportunities every turn. Located on historic Highway 49, Cool is just 6 miles from Auburn and 11 miles from Coloma, site of the state’s first gold discovery on the American River.  

Originally known as Cave Valley, the area was integral in the beginning days of the gold rush and then later for its mining of limestone. Today the area is a quiet base camp for those looking to explore the foothills. Rafting the river, hiking, biking, hunting, horseback riding, and golfing keep residents busy all year long.

Cool offers a variety of small stores and family-owned restaurants. A handful of wineries dot the surrounding hillsides, while nearby Placerville is home to the famous Apple Hill, an area bountiful with apple farms, pumpkin patches, and ranches. The community is served by Black Oak Mine Unified School District, with Northside School (transitional kindergarten through sixth grade) located in Cool. Golden Sierra Middle Junior/Senior High School is located nearby.