A Coloma day trip from Placerville centers on Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, on the South Fork of the American River where James Marshall found gold in 1848. The park combines historic sites and a museum with trails, picnic areas and river access, giving you several ways to spend the day.
- Location: Coloma, on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn.
- Park address: 310 Back Street, Coloma, CA 95613.
- Park pattern: Day-use areas are open seven days per week, with hours that vary by season.
- Fees: Vehicle day-use fees are $10 per car and $9 per car for seniors age 62 and older; rates may change.
Placerville also gives you a starting point for other local history stops, including how to spend one day in Placerville.
Why Visit Coloma?
Coloma brings together the site of James Marshall’s 1848 gold discovery and the river landscape that shapes the park today. The historic setting is the main reason to make the trip, while the trails, picnic areas and outdoor activities give you options beyond the history exhibits.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park has museums, exhibits and programs, hiking trails, fishing, boating and a beach area. Recreational gold panning is permitted in designated areas, using hands and a pan only. For background on the park’s history and features, learn about Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Start at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Begin with the park’s historic sites and Gold Discovery Museum and Visitor Center, then use the remaining time for the outdoor areas that interest you. The park is at 310 Back Street in Coloma, on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn. The Mother Lode Motel in Placerville can serve as your base for the day trip.
The museum and visitor center are open seven days per week. Their usual hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. from November 1 through February 28 and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. from March 1 through October 31.
Day-use areas follow a different seasonal schedule: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. from November 1 through February 28; 8 a.m.–6 p.m. from March 1 to the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend; 8 a.m.–8 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend; and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. from the day after Labor Day through October 31. Inbound gates may close 30 minutes before the posted closing time.
Vehicle day-use fees are $10 per car, or $9 per car for seniors age 62 and older. Special rates may apply during peak season, high-demand holidays and weekends, and prices may change without notice.
Allow Time for the American River Setting
Set aside time for the South Fork of the American River, which runs through the park. Trails, picnic areas and the beach area offer ways to spend time outdoors; fishing and boating are also available.
River conditions call for care. The shoreline has submerged obstacles and an uneven bottom, and water levels and flow can change quickly and often. Diving is not permitted. If you plan to pan for gold, use only your hands and a pan, and stay within designated areas.
How do you drive to Coloma from Placerville?
Highway 49 runs through Coloma, and the park is on that route between Placerville and Auburn. From U.S. Highway 50 eastbound, take the Ponderosa exit, turn left onto South Shingle, then right onto North Shingle.
Continue about 10 miles as the road becomes Green Valley Road and then Lotus Road; turn right onto Highway 49 and continue 1 mile to Coloma.
Parking is available at the park. If you’re driving, use the park’s address to locate the entrance and check its official map for the site layout.
Check Park Conditions Before You Go
Park hours, fees and activity availability can change, so check the official site before you go. Thanksgiving and Christmas are closure days, and activities such as gold panning, tours, the blacksmith shop and other scheduled programs may be canceled because of extreme weather, poor air quality, inclement weather or emergencies. For the latest information, call the Gold Discovery Museum at 530-622-3470.
FAQs
Where is Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
The park is in Coloma on the South Fork of the American River, at 310 Back Street, Coloma, CA 95613.
Can you pan for gold in the park?
Yes. Recreational gold panning is allowed in designated areas using hands and a pan only.
Is the park open every day?
Day-use areas and the Gold Discovery Museum and Visitor Center are open seven days per week, with seasonal hours. Thanksgiving and Christmas are closure days.
Are there safety considerations at the river?
Yes. The river shoreline has submerged obstacles and an uneven bottom, and water levels and flow can change quickly. Diving is not permitted.