The area around Sacramento and Placerville is called The Gold Country, California as the discovery of gold in Coloma, California in 1848 began what became known as The Gold Rush. As the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, present day Gold County, Is a California Region that is beautiful, exciting, fun and historic. Head northeast from Sacramento on I-80, and you will be in Gold Country.
Visit Old Town in Sacramento, then head out for your Gold Country adventure.
Placer County
From the suburbs of Sacramento to the countryside, a hint of bygone California days beckons as you visit this county which stretches to Lake Tahoe. Winter sports, including downhill skiing and cross country, are found above the lake. The Placer County Museum is the place to see in Auburn, settled in 1848 at the time of the gold discovery. Art and Antiques can also be found in Auburn today. For excitement and mystery, and only in dry warm weather, visit the Ghost Town of Iowa Hill and its cemeteries. Auburn State Recreation Area is the place to pan for gold.
El Dorado County
Filled with history, including historic Placerville, as well as outdoor adventures, El Dorado County is reached by Hwy.50; wine tasting, rafting, unique shopping, charm and wonderful restaurants can be enjoyed.
Nevada County
Grass Valley's Empire Mine Historic State Park will give you an picture of a thriving mine and a surrounding mansion, as well as a blooming rose garden. Head northeast to Nevada City, a preserved gold rush town with Victorian architecture that is one of the popular places to visit. Explore the homes and stores, and experience the period of the later 1800s. While in Nevada County, visit the South Yuba River. South Yuba River State Park allows panning for gold.
Mariposa County
The southernmost county of Gold Country, it is the largest and the place to visit the Mariposa and Coulterville Museums, with exhibits that give a rare view on how the miners lived during the Gold Rush. Historic buildings can be found in some of the towns; Coulterville has many homes on the National Register of Historic Places and is compelling to see. Majestic scenery abounds, and history, a diverse population, and panning for gold all make an exciting visit. Mariposa county also offers skiing, camping, fishing, boating, bicycling, hiking and more. Nearby Yosemite might also be a destination.
