Gold Country

The Sierra Nevada Gold Country Is One of the Most Under Appreciated Region of California…SO, You Need to GO!

As the title says, the Gold Country is an afterthought when visiting Northern California. You could plan an entire two week trip doing the not so “touristy” thing. If you want a true reflection of what California has to offer, and especially it’s history, spend some time in the Gold Country.

The Gold Country is only in Northern California. The area resides mostly on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A good place to start is to drive from the Bay Area or Sacramento east, up the foothills to Nevada City (about an hour’s drive from Sacramento). From Nevada City, head south on Highway 49 (Yes, the Gold Country is where the 49ers name came from, for historic purposes, and the NFL team that resides in San Francisco [Santa Clara]) You should travel from Nevada City through it’s neighboring sister city, Grass Valley. You will then pass through Auburn and head towards Placerville (a bit of a white-knuckle drive but incredibly scenic). In between Auburn and Placerville on Highway 49, the town of Coloma lies, and make sure to visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park.

From Placerville, as you head south, you will come upon Amador City (don’t blink) and Sutter Creek. From there, your trip on Highway 49 is complete, almost, in my book. It’s time to head up Highway 4 once you reach Angels Camp and explore Murphys and Arnold. You can keep going up Highway 4 and get to Alpine County, but, that’s on the Tahoe Region page!

So what are our recommendations?

These are places that we have actually visited, stayed at, or ate at.

New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Dobbins, CA

New Bullards Bar in Yuba County may be the most beautiful lake in Northern California not named Lake Tahoe. The lake sits at an elevation of 2,000 feet. Because of the steepness of the terrain, there is not really any “beach” area unless you have a boat. Boating at Bullards Bar is what it’s about. We have rented a boat here twice. Here is the link for the Marina. For camping, start HERE
Watch our YouTube video HERE

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Scotts Flat in Nevada County

Another simply gorgeous lake to spend a hot Summer day at. Scotts Flat provides all kinds of recreational and camping opportunities.
See our YouTube video HERE
For Camping at Scotts Flat, HERE is our YouTube video

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Sly Park at Jenkinson Lake

Sly Park Recreation area at Jenkinson Lake up in El Dorado County is again, another stunning foothill lake. We enjoy the fact that there are a number of day-use areas at Jenkinson Lake.
Watch our YouTube video HERE

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Inn Town Campground in Nevada City

The Inn Town Campground is FABULOUS! We have glamped here many times. They also have camping spots and RV hookups. A great spot for families. It’s very safe, there are rules, and they have a pool and a camp store.
Our YouTube video HERE was shot during the pandemic, so, nobody is around, but it gives you good insight into the grounds and facility.

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Outside Inn in Nevada City

The Outside Inn is owned by the same family who owns the Inn Town Campground, so, quality. Each room is uniquely decorated with a different theme. We enjoy one of the two detached units when we go.
See our YouTube video HERE

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Coloma Cottages in Coloma

A quiet little property on the American River with seven cottages on 5 acres. Pure serenity!
Check out the Coloma Cottages
Watch our YouTube video HERE

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Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Incredible! Yeah, a touristy place, but, you gotta go! Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Watch our YouTube video HERE

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Happy Apple Kitchen in Grass Valley

We just sort of happened upon this roadside kitchen! Great burgers and homemade pies! What?? Yes! It’s worth the drive to the Happy Apple Kitchen.. Check the website as they do have limited hours.
See our YouTube video HERE THIS video is part of an AirBnb stay we had at Rollins Lake

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