The line between the past and present blurs at Rainbow Lodge
Special to the Sun

Mysterious figures, a woman singing and cold spots. Sounds like something out of a cliche scary movie. But talk to the employees and guests of the historic Rainbow Lodge, and you may find some truth to these stories.
Tucked along the Yuba River, just along Old 40, sits an historic part of the Sierras. Most drive by this little lodge without a second thought. But what many may not know is just how much history lies in those original stone walls. Built in the late 1800and#8217;s, it has been sitting along the river, quietly collecting a rich and hushed history, which, occasionally, insists on reminding its guests they may not be the only ones checking in for the night.
Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, there is no denying the 100-plus year-old-lodge has seen some real history.
From a gambling spot for locals, to serving travelers fresh trout from the Yuba, this place has seen it all. The original granite and wood work is still in place and the Sierra dining room is filled with photos of the lodges past. And with such great history, you can expect great stories, and possibly a few guests that simply refuse to leave.
Many have reported an encounter with one particular stubborn guest. Employees and guests have seen a man sitting at a dining room table, the side of a bed or turning a corner, only to have him disappear with a blink of an eye. According to a combination of history and stories, it is said this man is in search of his loot buried somewhere on the property after he was killed for cheating in a card game.
Lynn Salmoria, the current lodge manager, has been part of the Rainbow Lodge family for several years and believes, without a doubt, there are a few special guests. She will very enthusiastically tell you about Rainbowand#8217;s most infamous guest, Mary. Room 23 is her room of choice and there have been countless reports of hearing cries, seeing a woman sitting by the window and drastic temperature changes around this room. No one knows why she still wanders the lodge, but she is definitely a famous presence.
Even the professionals have taken an interest in Rainbow Lodge. Earlier this month, four members of the R.E.A.L. Paranormal Investigations team headed to Rainbow for a full investigation of the lodge. They were equipped with all of the latest in ghost hunting technology and got to work right away.
and#8220;We experiencedmultiple EVPand#8217;s (electronic voice phenomena), extreme unexplained cold spots, a dish rack in the kitchen that shook like an earthquake was going on when nothing else in that area was affected or movedand#8230;a dining room chair mysteriously moved away from the table,and#8221; said Gerre Young, member of the R.E.A.L. Paranormal Investigation Team.
Not only is Rainbow home to some very mysterious guests, but the employees have a history all of their own.
OBand#8217;s Restaurant and Bar was part of the Truckee community for many years, and ghosts from OBand#8217;s have made their way to Rainbow Lodge. The current bar manager, Mike Barna, was the general manager of OBand#8217;s for twenty years. Other former OBand#8217;s employees who now and#8220;restand#8221; at Rainbow Lodge include Bob Phariss, Becky Christ and Carol Millie.
Whether you are a believer or not, there are definitely ghosts of all kinds wandering the halls of Royal Gorgeand#8217;s Rainbow Lodge. The century old building, the old photographs, the staff and possibly a few spirits, all make for a welcoming and purely historic ambience at the Rainbow Lodge.
For more information please call (530) 426-3871 or e-mail Lauren Birtwhistle at marketing@royalgorge.com
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