Gold Country Guide

Discover the Gold Country in Angels Camp and Murphys

Northern California Gold Country Guide

Weather forcast for the Dorrington/Big Trees area from the U.S. Weather Service

 Highway 4 Road Conditions

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

The breathtaking California Gold Country region offers a little bit of everything, except for the coastal beaches for which the state is famous. 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.