California’s scenic foothills fed by the crystal clear snow runoff from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, home to the many diverse Native American cultures was forever altered when James Marshall discovered Gold in California at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 and set off the largest gold rush in the history of America.

The breathtaking California Gold Country region offers a little bit of everything except for the coastal beaches that the state is famous for. With an abundance of rivers & waterfalls, you and your family will be able to easily satisfy your need for water related activities. This region is known for its dense forest, variety of recreational activities, gold mining history and friendly small towns with antique shops, restaurants, wineries, art galleries, and museums, giving everyone something to do. The Sierra Nevada’s offer great camping opportunities and a variety of lodging options, from small inns to hotels and vacation rentals, making this area of California an enjoyable destination for visitors.

While the historic gold mines are long gone, Highway 49 offers a central starting point to visit the historic towns that keep the Old West alive. Visitors are invited to experience the fun and history in the small towns including Angels Camp, Arnold and Dorrington.

There is literally something for everyone in this beautiful region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Bring the entire family. Visitors enjoy the shopping opportunities, historical sights, fishing, hiking, camping, gold panning, mountain biking, golfing, horseback riding, backpacking, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, sailing, sailboarding, and water skiing. During the winter enjoy activities such as sledding, snow shoeing, ice skating, skiing and snowmobiling.