Adventure 008, Hike 027 - Gold Discovery Trail

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008, Hike 027 – Gold Discovery Trail

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  June 29, 2012

Location: James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, Columa

Hike Info:

Trail: Gold Discovery Trail

Distance: .7 miles

Duration: 1:17

Elevation Rise: 27'

Description:
The Gold Discovery trail loops around from the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park Visitor's Center, across Highway 49, along the South Fork of the American River and then back to the Visitor Center. It is a short walk, but what it shows you along the way is what changed the world in 1848. You first see some of the replica of buildings from old Columa. Then crossing Highway 49, you come to the replica of Sutter's Mill. The replica has been moved in from the river to avoid the periodic flooding which takes place. The trail then heads to the river and downstream a ways. You come to a stone wall, with the words Sutter Mill conveniently lettered in white pebbles to show where the original mill stood. Continuing downstream, you come across the old raceway where gold was actually discovered. The trail turns back across 49 and parallels the highway for a ways. You then get to see an exhibit of the old Chinese general store—where the balances were more accurate than the American's—and some examples of various mining equipment. Then it is back to the Visitor Center. You can do the walk in 15 or 20 minutes, but that would be like saying I saw Yosemite without getting out of the car--not a very satisfying experience.