Relive the gold rush of 1849 visiting California Gold Country Region. You'll be pleased to see that much of our gold rush heritage has been well preserved, restore many old mining towns. Take a tour of mines, gold leaf, visit ghost towns, ride a stagecoach or a historic steam train, enjoy beautiful landscapes, countryside, walking, swimming, exploring caves, go rafting on the river, watch a spectacular forest of giant redwoods, or maybe even get rich. With so much to see and do there is bound to be something for everyone.

The discovery of gold here in 1848 sparked the greatest gold rush in history. Reminders the time of the California gold rush can be found everywhere along historic Highway 49. California Gold Country stretches for 320 miles of the Sierra of the city at the foot of Yosemite, and connects to many of the old mining towns of the Motherlode. One of the best preserved cities near the center of Gold Country is Sutter Creek. It is approximately 55 miles southeast of Sacramento, and will serve you well as a base while exploring the region.

There is much to do and have, literally, could spend weeks exploring the area. However, here are some good ideas, if you only have a few days to go:

Sutter Gold Mine

Visit the Sutter Gold Mining, a modern hard rock mine located on Highway 49 north of Sutter Creek. Originally developed for gold mining in the 1980s, and now operates exclusively for underground mine tours. The Tour, 1 pm, offers a great lesson on gold mining. Your experience begins with preparing real mine safety helmets and labeled as a miner in the camp. Enjoy a wonderful journey of mine and make sure and do some washing gold after (www.caverntours.com / sgmt.html).

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Located in Coloma, just 36 miles north of Sutter Creek, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the place where James W. Bright spots Marshall found gold in the tailrace of the sawmill that was built for himself and John Sutter. See a replica of the original mill and over 20 historic buildings. Try searching for gold in the American River and enjoy hikes and picnics here (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484).

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

About 55 miles southeast of Sutter Creek, you have the opportunity to see a spectacular forest of giant redwood trees in their natural environment. Other Attractions in the Park include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail and Bradley Trail. The park also hosts two camps with a total of 129 campsites, six picnic areas and hundreds of miles of established trails (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551).

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Located in Jamestown, about 46 miles south of Sutter Creek, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to the Historic Jamestown Shops and RoundhouseÂ-intact and functioning steam locomotive repair facility, parts of which date back to 1897. In spring, summer and fall, climb aboard a vintage steam-powered excursion train. Trains operate every Saturday and Sunday, April to October, departing from the warehouse on time 11.3 Railtown Enjoy a six-mile, 40 minute round trip through the scenic Sierra foothills (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=491).

Yosemite National Park

Located just over 90 miles southeast of Sutter Creek Yosemite National Park is a true "must see" spectacular waterfalls, mountains, mining gold or panoramic tour. There are a number of companies well established in the area that can provide only gold prospecting trip you need. Several highly rated companies listed below:

California Gold Company

Located near Jamestown, geologist Joshua Vick offers tours of the gold mining and gold panning trips famous Woods Creek. His travels have appeared on television, and are fun for the whole family (www.goldfun.com).

Adventures prospecting gold

In Jamestown, the 1849 Gold Mining Camp is an exact replica of the original, and is in the original camp site. They offer courses gold prospecting, family trips, and other packages. The camp has over 25 attractions and it is something fun for everyone (www.goldprospecting.com).

Roaring Camp Mining Company

Located in Pine Grove, California, Roaring Camp is an old gold mining camp on the Mokelumne River. Previously only accessible by horseback, most of the gold still remains. Visitors can see the gold mine operation in addition to being able to extract their own gold by panning, sweeping, dredging, or dry cleaning (www.roaringcampgold.com).

We hope this brief article has given you a little taste of California Gold Country, and always that with some good ideas for your next family vacation. Our family really enjoys the outdoors. There's nothing like being in the fresh air, enjoying beautiful scenery, and have fun together as a family. Luck Have fun, be safe, and good prospecting.

About the author:
Rich Herman loves the outdoors and enjoys panning for gold with his family. For more information on gold panning trips or other family vacation ideas, visit his website: http://www.FavoriteFamilyVacations.com

California RV Camping – New Brighton State Beach