Only 170 miles from the Museum, Placerita Canyon State Park is a designated Historic Landmark and is preserved and protected as the site of the first discovery of gold in California in 1842. Visit this park just north of Los Angeles to experience a range of habitats in one area—from cool, riparian oak woodlands to dense, chaparral-covered hillsides including seasonal streams, stands of cottonwoods, and native sycamore trees. Operated by Los Angeles County, Placerita Canyon State Park rests on the northwest side of the San Gabriel Mountains surrounded by the Angeles National Forest.

Visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center for more information. 

PHOTO CREDIT: © California State Parks, 2014. Image 090-P82835