South Fork of the American River

The Coloma Valley, California

Visit the Heart of the
California Gold Country

The Coloma Valley lies in California's Sierra foothills, in the fabled Gold Country. Through its center flows 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 discovery reached San Francisco, it triggered the 1849 California Gold Rush, dramatically changing the history of our nation.

Today this river is also known throughout California for its inviting and exciting whitewater rapids. You can bring your friends and family, and enjoy good clean fun only an hour from Sacramento or 2-3 hours from the Bay Area.

And along these same river banks lie the beautiful rural communities of Coloma and Lotus, with their ranches and orchards, cafés, vineyards, B&Bs and campgrounds, and small-town businesses. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California's history to life.

We invite you to visit us today!
California poppies on a Coloma hillside

Spring in the Coloma Valley - Come for the poppies, stay for the wine-tasting. Enjoy the peace & beauty of a Sierra foothills spring.

May 2008

Featured photo by Betty Sederquist
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