Area
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 voluntary 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.
Picnic Areas:
Trails:
Exhibits/Programs:
Gold Discovery Museum: The museum and exhibits within are accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the museum.
The park is located in Coloma on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn.
US Highway 50 going East. Take the Ponderosa Exit, turn left on S. Shingle, take a right on North Shingle. Continue on N. Shingle for 10 miles. (N. Shingle will turn into Green Valley Road, then Lotus Road.) Lotus Road ends at CA HWY 49. Turn right on Highway 49 and go 1 mile to Coloma.
US Highway 80 going East, take the Elm Avenue exit and turn left. Take a left on CA/49--CA/193/South El Dorado Street. Continue on 49 for approximately 13 miles.
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
For current river flow, please check here: http://www.theamericanriver.com/trip-planning/south-fork-news-flows/.
Day after Labor Day Holiday to October 31st: 8:00am-6:00pm
November 1 to February 28: 8:00am-5:00pm
March 1 to Friday before Memorial Day weekend: 8:00am-6:00pm
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend: 8:00am-8:00pm
Gold panning, tours, the blacksmith shop, and other scheduled activities may be closed/cancelled due to extreme weather, poor air quality conditions, inclement weather, or emergencies. For the latest information, please call the Gold Discovery Museum at 530-622-3470; open seven days a week 10am-5pm March 1 through October 31st and 9:00am-4:00pm November 1 through February 28th.. You can also email marshallgold.info@parks.ca.gov for any additional information.