Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Highway 49
Coloma, California
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Local Phone: (530) 622-3470

The world stampeded to California Gold Country soon after James W. Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building for himself and John Sutter on the American River near what is now Coloma.

This discovery in 1848 changed the course of history.  A replica of the original sawmill and more 20 historic buildings form the centerpiece of today's park, while hiking trails run along the riverbanks and loop up into the hills.

Spring and fall are the prettiest times to visit. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Monument or Monroe Ridge Trails.

Throughout the year, the park provides daily interpretive programs at the sawmill replica. Special events, exhibits and "Living History Days" occur regularly throughout the year.

dog friendly, dogtrekker.com, state park, american river, history, sutters mill, hike, trails, monroe ridge, american river

Little Bit of Magic in El Dorado County
Coloma Resort - Photo Credit: @schills206
Coloma Resort - Photo Credit: @schills206
DogTrekkers in the know point their paws in fall toward the Apple Hill Growers region north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County near Placerville, where more than 50 member farms open their gates to the public for an applepalooza of festivities centered around the orb-shaped fruit. This year, there’s something new: the Apple Hill Hard Cider Trail, which makes its formal debut Sept. 15 with six producers showcasing their takes on the low-alcohol beverage that is taking America by storm. more »
El Dorado County
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park <br/> Photo Credit: @leave_only_pawprints
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Photo Credit: @leave_only_pawprints
Named for the mythical city of gold, El Dorado County epitomizes California Gold Country. Its county seat, Placerville, is named for the alluvial deposits in the American River where many a miner struck it rich. The town of Placerville also makes for an interesting visit with its dog-welcoming restaurants, shops and a historic and dog-friendly hotel, Cary House, right in the middle of the action. Read more about El Dorado County in last week’s Highway 50 Gold Country issue. more »
Up the Hill in Placerville With Your Furry Sidekick
Lucy hoping for a bite at Jack Russell Brewery. <br/> Photo Credit: @tbutcherskitchen
Lucy hoping for a bite at Jack Russell Brewery.
Photo Credit: @tbutcherskitchen
The El Dorado County seat was named for the alluvial deposits that drew prospectors here during the Gold Rush. It’s nickname, “Hangtown,” relates to the lawlessness of the times. Today, however, it’s one of the most picturesque, bustling and dog-friendly of Gold Country towns. more »
The Private Campground Advantage
Photo Credit: @colby_1_kenobi
Photo Credit: @colby_1_kenobi
If pit toilets and DIY tent camping in general aren’t your style, you may find your bliss at one of California’s hundreds of private campgrounds. They range from family-friendly KOAs (Kampgrounds of America), with their swimming pools, playgrounds, camping cabins and dog parks; to luxury “glamping” resorts like AutoCamps in Guerneville and Santa Barbara, where DogTrekkers can overnight in shiny Airstream trailers. And there are many choices in between. more »
El Dorado County's Adventure Loop
two dogs in the woods
Lola and Leroy on an adventure in Gold Country. Photo: M. Miller

Next time you can wrangle a weekend away in Gold Country, head east on Highway 50, exit at El Dorado Hills Boulevard and drive through 10 miles of suburbia to the intersection with Green Valley Road. Put your vehicle in explorer gear and keep going: the name changes to Salmon Falls Road and the asphalt narrows into a two-lane track traversing the rugged terrain northeast of Folsom Lake. more »
Down By the Riverside
Down by the Riverside
Not all hikes lead to a specific destination, but those that do are rewarding—especially when the weather is warm, the destination wet and the scenery in between bright green and streaked with patches of purple lupine and smears of yellow goldfields. more »
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