Explore Arnold
Coloma
Where the Gold Rush started: a state historic park on the South Fork of the American River, with a replica sawmill, gold panning, and rafting companies working the same water.
First things first
First things first
In January 1848 James Marshall found gold in the tailrace of a sawmill he was building for John Sutter on the South Fork of the American River. Within two years the world had arrived. Coloma is where that happened, and most of the town is now Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
From Arnold it is a little over two hours north on Highway 49, and it pairs naturally with Placerville twenty minutes away or Apple Hill in autumn.
Geography
Where Coloma sits
Where gold was found in Sutter's Mill tailrace in 1848; most of the town is now Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
The same stretch of river is the launch base for California's busiest guided whitewater runs.
A little over two hours north of both cabins, easily combined with Placerville or Apple Hill.
- Region
- Sierra Nevada foothills, the South Fork American canyon
- County
- El Dorado County
- Elevation
- About 750 ft
- Nearest town
- Coloma, with Placerville twenty minutes south
- Getting there
- Highway 49 north through the Gold Country to the river crossing at Coloma
The park
The park spreads along both sides of the highway: a working replica of Sutter's Mill, the monument on the hill above Marshall's grave, restored buildings including a Chinese store and an old jail, a museum, and shaded picnic ground under the oaks by the river. It is walkable, flat and easy to spend three hours in without trying.
Gold panning is part of the visit — concessionaires run panning and sluicing sessions for children and adults, and the park sells the story with unusual honesty, including what the rush did to the Nisenan people whose land this was.
The river
The South Fork of the American through Coloma is California's most popular whitewater river, and the town is the launch and take-out base for a long list of licensed outfitters. Half-day and full-day trips through Troublemaker and the Gorge run from spring into late summer on dam-supported flows, which is why the season here outlasts most rivers.
Outside a raft, the river is also a swimming and picnic river in high summer, with gravel bars and slow pools inside the park. Flows are controlled and can change quickly, so read the posted warnings and ask the park about current conditions before swimming.
Practical notes
There is a day-use parking fee at the state park, and both lots and the picnic ground fill on summer weekends. Opening hours, museum hours and panning availability all vary by season — California State Parks publishes current hours for the Marshall Gold Discovery park.
Summer here is hot, well over ninety degrees at midday, with limited shade away from the river. Spring is green and pleasant, autumn is quiet, and winter is cold, empty and rather atmospheric.
Where to stay for a Gold Rush day
Both cabins are around two hours south in Arnold. If rafting the South Fork is the plan, be realistic about a 7am start; many guests instead raft the Stanislaus closer to home and keep Coloma for the history. Either way, the cabins give you a cool pine-forest evening after a hot day in the foothills.
Affiliate deals
Guided rafting on the rivers down the hill
Rafting here is a guided business, and OARS has run these rivers for decades. Booking takes you to their own site, at their own prices.
These are affiliate links: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Trips are run, staffed and insured entirely by OARS — we are independent of them. Whitewater rafting carries real risk of injury; read their trip pages, age limits and river ratings before you book.
Nearby
Keep exploring
Stay nearby
Cabins for a Gold Rush and rafting trip
Coloma is a two-hour drive north, and the Stanislaus rafting runs much closer to the cabins if you would rather not start at dawn. Looking for Arnold, CA vacation rentals? Arnold Haven has two dog-friendly cabins — a five-bedroom A-frame chalet that sleeps 12 and a two-bedroom loft that sleeps 4. Minimum stay is 2 nights, check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 11am.
- Check-in
- Self check-in, 3pm
- Cancellation
- Full refund 5+ days ahead; holidays 30 days
Check live availability, see your full price, and book securely — ID check and payment are handled by Stripe.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How far is Coloma from Arnold?+
A little over two hours north on Highway 49, via Jackson and Placerville.
Can you pan for gold at Coloma?+
Yes — concessionaires inside Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park run panning sessions, and there are designated areas along the river. Check current availability with California State Parks.
Is Coloma where rafting trips start?+
It is the main base for South Fork American River trips. Licensed outfitters put in and take out around the town, with a season that usually runs from spring into late summer on dam-supported flows.
How much time do you need?+
Two to three hours for the park and museum, a full day if you add panning, a swim and lunch in Placerville.