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Gold Country & High Sierra Region
Gold Discovery Site State Park
Gold Discovery Site State Park © Gary OToole
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GOLD DISCOVERY SITE STATE PARK
GOLD DISCOVERY SITE STATE PARK
James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah. This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill, in present day Coloma California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation.

The purpose of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is to secure for the people and to make available for their observation, inspiration, and enjoyment, the gold discovery site and its environs as an accurate portrayal of the story that unfolded at the time of the discovery and Gold Rush. The park's interpretive program primarily embraces the period from 1847 through 1852, but also shows the town of Coloma as it developed.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the place where James W. Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building for himself and John Sutter. This discovery in 1848 changed the course of California's and the nation's history. See a replica of the original sawmill and over 20 historic buildings including mining, house, school, and store exhibits.

Visitors have the opportunity to try panning for gold in the American River and enjoy hikes and picnics under the riparian oak woodlands. Overlooking the beautiful river canyon, where the gold discoverer rests today, see California's first historic monument, the statue of James Marshall pointing at his gold discovery site .
History of the Area
Located in Coloma, California, the park marks where James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848. This discovery sparked the famous Californian Gold Rush of 1849 attracting thousands to seek their fortune. The area was designated as a state historic park by Governor Earl Warren on May 13th,1954.

The site includes original and reconstructed buildings from that era including John Sutter's sawmill replica built for its centennial celebration in1947-48.

Today it serves an educational purpose with exhibits showcasing mining equipment and artifacts related to this period of history.



Trails
- Monroe Ridge Trail: A moderate 3-mile loop trail, offering panoramic views of the American River and surrounding mountains.

- Gold Discovery Loop Trail: An easy half mile walk that includes historical sites such as James Marshall's cabin and Sutter Mill replica.

- South Fork American River Trial: This is a long but relatively flat hike along the south fork of the American river; it stretches for approximately 8 miles one way.

- Overlook Park Trails System - North Route & South Route : Two trails each about a quarter mile in length with scenic overlooks on both routes providing stunning vistas over Coloma Valley.

- Olmstead Loop Trail (outside park boundaries): Although not within state park limits, this nearby challenging 9-mile loop offers diverse terrain including meadows, forests, creeks and hillsides.

-James Marshall Monument Hike: Short .5 mile uphill trek to monument dedicated to gold discoverer James W.Marshall atop Indian Grinding Rock site overlooking entire valley below.

-North Beach Access Pathway : Easy access pathway leading down towards north beach area by riverside ideal for picnicking or relaxing after hikes .

-Marshall Gold Discovery SHP Nature Walk : Self-guided nature walk around historic townsite exploring native plant species , wildlife habitats etc ; less than a mile round trip .

-Monroe Orchard Interpretive Trail - Half Mile Round Trip.: Gentle slope through old orchard trees planted during California's pioneer days with informative plaques detailing history scattered throughout path

-Coyote Point Picnic Area Accessible Pathway- Quarter Mile One Way.: Paved accessible route from parking lot directly up till Coyote point picnic spot near water edge perfect for family outings

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Area Campgrounds
Camp Lotus
5461 Bassi Road
Lotus, CA
530-622-8672
Coloma Resort
6921 Mt. Murphy Road
Coloma, CA
530-621-2267
Camp Chiquita Campground
9092 Wentworth Springs Road
Georgetown, CA
530-333-4673
Auburn Gold Country RV Park
3550 KOA Way
Auburn, CA
530-885-0990
Bowman RV Park
13675 Bowman Road
Auburn, CA
530-888-0136
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Directions from Sacramento, California:

- Start on I-5 S.
- Take exit 518 for US Highway 50 E towards Placerville/South Lake Tahoe.
- Merge onto US Hwy 50 E.
- Continue straight to stay on this highway.

From San Francisco, California:

- Begin by getting onto the I80-E freeway from Fremont Street and Folsom St.
- Follow signs for Oakland/Interstate CA-I80E/Bay Bridge.
- Keep left at Y junction to continue toward Berkeley.

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California
60

California State Parks

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