Nestled in the beautiful Sierra foothills, Coloma Valley lies in the heart of California's fabled Gold Country. Flowing through the center of Coloma is the South Fork of the American River, made famous in 1848 when gold was discovered in its stream bed at Sutter's Mill. When news of the gold discovery reached San Francisco, the legendary 1849 California Gold Rush changed our country's destiny.
The Coloma Gold Country is home to beautiful vineyards, riverfront parks, hiking and biking trails and historic sites, including Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park - the original gold discovery site. Enjoy panning for gold and exploring this historic park where California's Gold Rush history comes to life. The American River is one of the most exciting whitewater rafting and kayaking destination in California.
Before You Go
Coloma River Rafting - Rushing through the Coloma Gold Country, the American River is the ultimate destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking with exhilarating Class II, III and IV runs. The most popular whitewater in California, the 20-mile South Fork of the American River - from Chili Bar to Salmon Falls - features over 20 named rapids and countless waves that challenge rafters and paddlers. The 3-mile Coloma to Lotus stretch offers easy Class II rapids, while expert kayakers discover whitewater heaven at the world-famous Chili Bar Hole. The river is less crowded in the winter and spring.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
See the original gold discovery site in California at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, which features Marshall's Monument, a museum, historic buildings and hiking trails. Enjoy historic reenactments by costumed volunteers or pan for gold in the American River. Bekeart's Gun Shop offers old-fashioned trade goods and pan rentals. Enjoy video presentations and exhibits in the museum where the Gold Country history comes to life or sawmill demonstrations at the working replica of the original Sutter's Mill. Hike or walk the Monument Trail and the Monroe Ridge Trail.
Where are places to pan for gold?
You can still pan for gold in the South Fork of the American River in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The best place to pan for gold is by the Mt. Murphy Road bridge across from the park museum. Bekeart's Gun Shop offers trough mining and gold pan rentals and several local businesses sell gold pans and supplies, including Ceccardi's Feed Store, Sutter Center Market, Ponderosa Park, and Coloma Resort.
Where is the best hiking in Coloma?
Explore the beauty of the Coloma Valley and the Sierra foothills at beautiful parks and hiking trails around Coloma and the American River, including Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Henningsen-Lotus Park. Hike the trail to Marshall's Monument, on a hilltop overlooking the town of Coloma, or head to the Monroe Ridge Trail, a heart-pumping trail that ends near the North Beach picnic area at the state park. Enjoy hiking on the South Fork American River Trail from Coloma to Salmon Falls at Folsom Lake, or through the Dave Moore Nature Area, with a 1.1 mile loop through a shady forest and a river beach. Cronin Ranch Regional Trails Park features 12 miles of hiking trails through sweeping meadows with vistas to the river.