Marker Logo HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
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California Trail Historical Markers

This Trail carried people to California following the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill. Westward to western Wyoming it shares much of its route with the Pony Express Trail, the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Pioneer Trail, and the Union Pacific route of the Transcontinental Railroad. This series includes California Road markers that highlight the southern routes from Arkansas through Indian Territory westward to the California gold fields.
 
The Old Spanish Trail Marker image, Touch for more information
By Bill Kirchner, August 29, 2011
The Old Spanish Trail Marker
1 Arizona, Mohave County, Littlefield — 121 — The Old Spanish Trail1829 - 1848
On County Highway 91 at Old Pioneer Road on County Highway 91.
The Old Spanish Trail, the main trade route between Santa Fe and Los Angeles, passed this way beginning in 1829. At the end of the Mexican-American War this portion of the route evolved into what was variously known as the Salt Lake Road, the . . . Map (db m78535) HM
2 Arkansas, Sebastian County, Fort Smith — A-33 — Sebastian County California Gold Seekers
Near Rogers Avenue east of 6th Street (Arkansas Highway 255), on the right when traveling east.
The emigrant train of Forty-Niners, 5,000 strong, set out from Fort Smith in April, 1849, with an escort of United States [Army] Regulars under the command of Captain R. B. Marcy.Map (db m92353) HM
3 California, Alpine County, Alpine Village — CR-39 — Carson Trail - Crooked Trail
On California Route 88, on the left when traveling east.
"A part of the way the rocks cover the ground so large that it is with the greatest difficulty that we can find a place to drive our waggons [sic] through the trail is quite crooked" - Amasa Morgan, Jul 24, 1849Map (db m211141) HM
4 California, Alpine County, Alpine Village — CR-38 — Carson Trail - First Crossing in Mad Canyon
On Crystal Springs Road, on the right when traveling west.
"The river here is…filled with large rocks. We crossed on a bridge but expect to ford the next times…We started through Mad Canyon which is rightly named…the hardest place for teams I ever saw" - Caroline L. Richardson, Sep 12, 1852Map (db m211142) HM
5 California, Alpine County, Alpine Village — CR-37 — Carson Trail - To West Carson Canyon
On Carson Pass Highway (California Route 88) at Emigrant Trail, on the left when traveling east on Carson Pass Highway.
"Thence over a high sloping stony hill (sloping to the river) and down a steep hill to a canon or pass creek, where comes the first tug of war! Through the first range of the Sierra Nevada mountains" - Giles S. Isham, Aug 5, 1850Map (db m211139) HM
6 California, Alpine County, Hope Valley — Over the Sierra Nevada
On Blue Lakes Road, on the right when traveling south.
The Carson River Route saw more wagon travel during the peak of the Gold Rush than any other emigrant trail. Most of these were Gold seekers headed for the diggings in Placerville, Volcano, Jackson, and Sutter Creek. In 1855, the California State . . . Map (db m211982) HM
7 California, Alpine County, Kirkwood — CR-43 — Carson Trail - Ascent to Carson Pass
Near Carson Pass Scenic Byway (California Route 88).
Front of Marker "After dinner we crossed the first mountain. The ascent is half a mile and much like going up the side of a house in steepness. With hughe stones in the road, aside the road and all around the road."- Henry Sheldon Anable, . . . Map (db m148705) HM
8 California, Alpine County, Kirkwood — First Summit
On "Additional Parking" Road near Carson Pass Scenic Byway (California Highway 88).
Below this ridge is what some pioneers dubbed the “Devils Ladder.” A name reflecting the steepness and extreme difficulty that pioneers experienced as they began their ascent over the Sierra Nevada. This climb was usually referred to as . . . Map (db m21284) HM
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9 California, Alpine County, Kirkwood — Naming of Carson Pass
On The "Additional Parking" Road at Carson Pass Scenic Byway (California Highway 88) on The "Additional Parking" Road.
In February of 1844, John C. Fremont led a group of men over these mountains as they struggled to reach Sutter’s Fort. Little did they know that the pass, which lay 20 to 30 feet under the snow beneath them, would be a major route for the Gold Rush . . . Map (db m21278) HM
10 California, Alpine County, Meyers — LP-3 — Luther Pass Trail - Came to Grass Lake
On Luther Pass Road (California Route 89) 4 miles north of California Route 88, on the left when traveling north.
"Passed over the summit of the first range and came to [Grass] lake situated nearly on the summit of the mountain....We began our decent [sic] down the mountain over as rough a road as we came up, into Lake Valley" - Luman A. Scott, Sep 8, 1859Map (db m212025) HM
11 California, Alpine County, Meyers — LP-2 — Luther Pass Trail - Luther Pass
Near Luther Pass Road (California Route 89), on the left when traveling north.
"Then up hill [from Hope Valley] and away, steep and rugged and we at last gain the first summit of the Nevada Mountains [at Luther Pass] and down t'other side more rugged than ever" - John McTurk Gibson, Sep 3 1859...Map (db m212003) HM
12 California, Alpine County, Picketts Junction — CR-40 — Carson Trail - Hope Valley
On Burnside Road, on the right when traveling south.
"We immerged [sic] from the canon [sic] into a pretty valley in between two ranges of high mountains. Pretty pine trees were scattered over a small grass lawn, and a beautiful mountain stream passed through it." - Lorena L. Hayes, Sep . . . Map (db m211992) HM
13 California, Alpine County, Picketts Junction — C.R.R.27 — Emigrant Trail - Carson River Route
On Burnside Road, on the right when traveling south.
Marker No. C.R.R.27 - Hope Valley Emigrants rested in this beautiful valley on their way to Carson Pass.Map (db m212001) HM
14 California, Alpine County, Picketts Junction — LP-1 — Luther Pass Trail - Leaving the Carson Trail
On Burnside Road, on the right when traveling south.
"We crossed Carson River, for here we leave the Carson Route and take what is called the Johnson Route or 'Johnson's Cut-Off to Hangtown'." - J. Robert Brown, Sep 25, 1856Map (db m211987) HM
15 California, Amador County, Kit Carson — Mormon-Carson Pass Emigrant Trail
On Carson Pass Highway (State Highway 88), on the right when traveling east.
Mormon-Carson Pass Emigrant Trail, the heavily-travelled gateway to California gold fields, was blazed in 1848 by discharged members of the Mormon battalion traveling east to join their families. Five hundred Mormon volunteers, recruited in . . . Map (db m10824) HM
16 California, Butte County, Berry Creek — B047 — Beckwourth Trail – Berry Creek
On Oroville-Quincy Highway (Route 162).
“We left here at half past four intending to go as far as Bidwell Bar. We passed on a bridge which crosses a pond made by damming a stream for the purpose of running (a) sawmill which is situated here” – James Woodworth, Aug. 19, . . . Map (db m61682) HM
17 California, El Dorado County, Fresh Pond — JC-24 — Johnson Cutoff - Fresh Pond
Near Old Carson Road.
"Camping place called [Fresh] Pond at foot of Junction Hill, very long and steep." John McTurk Gibson, Sep 7, 1859 "We got some whisky [sic] for the cattle and drank it ourselves. It is the first I have had" - John W. Powell, Sep 7, 1859Map (db m212408) HM
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18 California, El Dorado County, Placerville — CR-69 — Carson Trail - Placerville
Near Benham Street, on the left when traveling south.
"This is called 'Dry Diggins'...More gold has been raised (here) than in any other part of California. Here we made a final stop and unloaded our wagons & felt of a truth that we had at last reached the gold mines." - P. C. Tiffany, Aug 25, 1849Map (db m212359) HM
19 California, El Dorado County, Placerville — CR-66 — Carson Trail - Wagon Road to Placerville
On Holm Road, on the right when traveling west.
"We decided to head for Placerville and cast out lot digging gold, and we expect to pass into this place to night....We passed...a good many cradling out gold, and we are all very enthusiastic to get started" - Albert G. Paschal, Aug 18, 1859Map (db m211225) HM
20 California, El Dorado County, Placerville — CR-67 — Carson Trail - Wagon Road to Placerville
On Cedar Ravine Road, on the right when traveling east.
"Entered Pleasant Valley in which are established several trading posts....We moved on and...descended into a valley in which is situated a few log huts & 1 tavern. This place is named Ring(g)old." James G. Shields, Aug 13, 1850Map (db m211169) HM
21 California, El Dorado County, Placerville — JC-30 — Johnson Cutoff Trail - Placerville
Near Benham Street, on the left when traveling south.
"We have come four miles and come to a flourishing little town in the mountains. The original name of this town is Placerville.... Men are diging [sic] here in the middle of the streets in search of gold." - William H. Kilgore. Aug 5, 1850Map (db m212362) HM
22 California, El Dorado County, Pleasant Valley — CR-64 — Carson Trail - Descent to Pleasant Valley
On Pleasant Valley Road at Newtown Road, on the right when traveling east on Pleasant Valley Road.
"After descending from this ridge by a long hill...at twilight entered on as beautiful a valley as ever I laid eyes on called Pleasant Valley." - Peter Decker, Aug 7, 1849Map (db m211152) HM
23 California, El Dorado County, Pleasant Valley — CR-63 — Carson Trail - Pleasant Valley
On Pleasant Valley Road, on the right when traveling east.
"We reached what in our guide book was called 'Pleasant Valley Gold Mines'; where we found two or three tents, and a few men with their gold-washing pans." - Sarah Royce. Oct 24, 1849Map (db m210982) HM
24 California, El Dorado County, Pleasant Valley — CR-65 — Carson Trail - Wagon Road Junction
On Pleasant Valley Road, on the left when traveling east.
"Came on the forks of the road - the left hand leading to Sutters Fort & the right hand to...Coloma...We here took the right hand fork and went...through Wevervill (and) came on...farther to Hang Town" - James A. Pritchard, Aug 11, 1849Map (db m211151) HM
25 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — CR-61 — Carson Trail - Junction
On Park Creek Road at Old Carson Road on Park Creek Road.
"We moved on...to where the roads forked...the left hand road leads to Weberville & the right leads to Hangtown or Placerville. We concluded to take the left hand road, now we commence a gradual descent." - James G. Shields, Aug 12, 1850Map (db m212434) HM
26 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — CR-62 — Carson Trail - To Pleasant Valley
On Starkes Grade Road at Sly Park Road, on the right when traveling east on Starkes Grade Road.
Carson Trail - To Pleasant Valley "Continued down the ridge upon which we traveled day before yesterday, occasionally descending deep valleys.... We reached what the Mormons call 'Pleasant Valley Gold Diggins.'" - P. C. Tiffany, Aug 24, 1849Map (db m211067) HM
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27 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-25 — Cutoff to Johnson Ranch and Placerville
On Park Creek Road at Old Carson Road on Park Creek Road.
Cutoff to Johnson Ranch and Placerville "Came...up to the forks of the road, one goes to Placerville and one to Weaver Town (Weberville), took our right hand road to Placerville or Hang Town, and came to what is called Johnson's ranch" . . . Map (db m212436) HM
28 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-14 — Johnson Cutoff - Ascent to the Summit
Near Wrights Lake Road, 0.4 miles north of U.S. 50, on the right.
"We now had to go up an ascent of four or five miles. The road would run along the side of the mountain, and then turn square up for a short distance. In this way we passed over many dangerous places" - J. Robert Brown, Sep 26, 1856Map (db m212531) HM
29 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-23 — Johnson Cutoff - Bartlett Bridge
Near Dubasary Lane.
"Traveled to the South Fork, here is a trading post and bridge, they charged 50˘ for a man and a horse,...we would not pay toll but forded, verry [sic] bad ford, went up a long mountain through the brush" - William Perry Hampton, Sep 13, 1852Map (db m212509) HM
30 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-17 — Johnson Cutoff - Peavine Hill
On Forest Service Road 11N99, 0.3 miles east of Granite Springs Road, on the left when traveling east.
"We came to what is called Peavine Hill, and found a long steep descent, but we got down without difficulty, and nooned near an excellent spring (Granite Springs)" J. Robert Brown, Sep 30, 1856Map (db m212527) HM
31 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-19 — Johnson Cutoff - Peavine Ridge
On Peavine Ridge Road, 2.5 miles west of Ice House Road, on the left when traveling west.
"We came on over a ridge or backbone; the road is now much traveled, and is very dusty; the earth is very red and dry; the road is well worked here, for they haul much ice along here to Hangtown." - J. Robert Brown, Oct 2, 1856Map (db m212524) HM
32 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-18 — Johnson Cutoff - Sear's Post
On Peavine Ridge Road, on the right when traveling west.
"The scenery is magnificent but it would be some task to come over these mountains with wagons. We saw any amount of grizzly bear tracks today." - George Washington King, June 6, 1853Map (db m212523) HM
33 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-26 — Johnson Cutoff - Took the Hangtown Road
On Pony Express Trail at Elm Street, on the right when traveling east on Pony Express Trail.
"To the fork of the road leading to Wever Town & Hangtown here we took the Hangtown Road it being the best thence to water on the left of road. Good grass one mile to right of road." Seth Lewelling, Aug 3, 1850Map (db m212440) HM
34 California, El Dorado County, Pollock Pines — JC-27 — Johnson Cutoff Trail - Sportsman Hall
On Pony Express Trail, on the right when traveling east.
"Started over the mountains again. Drove...over the [most] dusty roads we have ever saw since we left home. Camped about 6 in the evening at the Sportsmans Hall." - Abbey E. Fulkerth, Aug 3, 1863Map (db m212443) HM
35 California, El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe — JC-10 — Johnson Cutoff - Ascent of Johnson Pass
On South Upper Truckee Road, 0.3 miles north of Egret Way, on the right when traveling north.
"It took fifty men of us and all the oxen we could hitch to the wagons to take thirteen wagons up in two days. It takes all the men...and four yoke oxen to move an empty wagon...It is just like climbing a tree only worse." - William Gobin, Oct 1852Map (db m212031) HM
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36 California, El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe — JC-9 — Johnson Cutoff - Trout Creek
On Golden Bear Trail.
"Started at 2 P.M. down through [Lake] valley for 6 miles and campt near a small stream here we saw 2 men just commencing to mine gold just found here...Road very good this afternoon" - William Wirt Gilbert, Sep 26, 1853Map (db m212407) HM
37 California, El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe — LP-4 — Luther Pass Trail - Enter Lake Valley
On South Upper Truckee Road, 1 mile west of California Route 89, on the left when traveling west.
"After passing over this summit [Luther Pass] we enter Lake Valley [Lake Tahoe Basin]. Here we are camped, grass scarce. We had the roughest road down the mountain I ever saw." - John W. Powell, Sep 3, 1859Map (db m212026) HM
38 California, El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe — LP-5 — Luther Pass Trail - Prepared for the Ascent
On South Upper Truckee Road, 0.3 miles north of Egret Road, on the right when traveling north.
"We now prepared for the ascent of the mountain, we put all the oxen to one wagon, and started....The road is very steep in places, and runs up and along and around the side of the mountain" - J. Robert Brown, Sep 27, 1856Map (db m212028) HM
39 California, Lassen County, Chilcoot-Vinton — B-7 — Beckwourth Trail - Long Valley
On Scott Road, 2.3 miles south of California Route 70, on the left when traveling south.
"We descended in to the head of a beautiful valley here we found things requisite for camping ... our road led immediately down the valley from camp ... with a good level road all the way." - John C. Thorniley, Aug 16-17, 1852Map (db m148331) HM
40 California, Lassen County, Litchfield — N-26 — Nobles Trail - Soldiers Bridge
On U.S. 395, on the right when traveling north.
. . . Map (db m112609) HM
41 California, Lassen County, Old Station — N-36 — Nobles Trail - Butte Creek Meadow
On Forest Road 32N21, 0.5 miles south of California Route 44, on the left when traveling south.
"Day pleasant. Road has been excellent ... Has led us through beautiful glades and plains ... Tonight we camped at 'Butte Creek' a fine little stream with abundance." Benjamin Franklin Ruggles, Aug 15, 1859Map (db m148737) HM
42 California, Lassen County, Old Station — N-34 — Nobles Trail - Dry Valley
Near California Route 44, 8.4 miles north of Mooney Road, on the left when traveling north.
"Thence northwest winding westward through some timber into a dry valley, some grass near the west end of the valley ... here we camped some grass wood plenty but no water, having water in our keg." J. D. Randall, Aug 24, 1852Map (db m148185) HM
43 California, Lassen County, Susanville — N-28 — Nobles Trail - Big Spring
Near California Route 44, 4.9 miles north of California Route 36 when traveling north.
"10 ms. from the...head (of) Susan Valley you will find an excellent spring 150 yds. south of the road; but little grass here; grass is scarce on this ridge." J. D. Randall, Aug 23, 1852Map (db m148177) HM
44 California, Lassen County, Susanville — N-30 — Nobles Trail - Bridge Creek
Near Bridge Creek Springs Road, 1 mile north of Merrill Flat Road.
"This is a fine valley and has the purest and coldest water a man ever drank ... I think this is the most pleasant camping place we have had, fine pine timbers ... Found the grave of Nancy Allen today." Gorham Gates Kimball, Jun 23, 1865Map (db m148179) HM
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45 California, Lassen County, Susanville — N-29 — Nobles Trail - First Nobles Pass
On Bridge Creek Springs Road, 2 miles north of California Route 44, on the right when traveling north.
"We have risen to a considerable heighth [sic] today, though our road has been up and down. We are now crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains by 'Nobles Pass' said to be the easiest pass of three" Benjamin Franklin Ruggles, Aug 13, 1859Map (db m148178) HM
46 California, Lassen County, Susanville — N-26 — Nobles Trail - Rooptown
On North Weatherlow Street near Nevada Street, on the right when traveling north.
"This is a village of about 20 houses nearly all of which were built this summer. (It) is situated at the head of the valley... there is a hotel, store, blacksmith shop and... a saw-mill not far away." - Allen J. Tyrrell, Sep 8, 1860 . . . Map (db m87785) HM
47 California, Lassen County, Westwood — L - 38 — Lassen Trail - Westwood
Near 3rd Street (County Route A21), on the right when traveling east.
The east branch of Lassen’s Trail (1848 & later) passed near here to a campsite “near a small lake fed by springs,”Map (db m56709) HM
48 California, Modoc County, Alturas — L-3 — Lassen Trail - Conical Rocks
Near U.S. 395.
“Striking the river this morning I noticed a cluster of singular shaped rocks sticking up in spires of a conical shape 20 to 30 feet high” - Andrew Lopp Murphy, Sep 26, 1849Map (db m113025) HM
49 California, Modoc County, Alturas — L-5 — Lassen Trail - Pit River Ford
On S Main St (U.S. 395), on the left when traveling south.
“We crossed the creek here running between high banks, and drove a short distance down the north west side and encamped” — Elijah Preston Howell, Sep 6, 1849Map (db m113037)
50 California, Modoc County, Canby — L-10 — Lassen Trail - Foot Wear
On Route 139, on the right when traveling south.
“My shoes are giving out and I have no others. Left one of them and the other is barely on...At our noon camp I made some moccasins of cloth” — Joseph Stuart, Sep. 28, 1849Map (db m113024) HM
51 California, Modoc County, Canby — L-11 — Lassen Trail - Pit River Canyon
On Pit River Road (County Route 84) near Turner Creek Road, on the right when traveling west.
"We were obliged to cross the stream quite a number of times, in consequence of the canons of rock which confine it to a narrow bed." - Amos Batchelder, Sep 29, 1849 Guidebook available Trails West Inc., P.O. Box 12045, Reno, NV 89510 . . . Map (db m113659) HM
52 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — Applegate TrailPart of the Oregon Trail National Historic Trail System
On FS 46N05A, on the right when traveling west.
This is the location of the junction of the original 1846 route of the Applegate Trail and the 1853 realignment of the trail as laid out by road engineers from Siskiyou County. The original route goes due east from this point and its traces are no . . . Map (db m152261) HM
53 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — Applegate TrailA portion of the Oregon Trail National Historic Trail System
On Crowder Flat Rd (Forest Road 73), on the right when traveling south.
The 1846 Applegate Trail, also known as the South Road to Oregon, lies behind this sign and heads westward along the banks of Fletcher Creek. It leaves Fletcher Creek after about two miles and then swings around the southern flank of Blue Mountain. . . . Map (db m152283) HM
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54 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-33 — Applegate Trail - Davis Creek
On Westside Road (County Route 11) at U.S. 395, on the right when traveling east on Westside Road.
... Decent [sic] to the lake ... Night brought us to the end of the lake ... We laid up on a mountain brook where the roads forked ... One branch going to Oregon, the other to California." Alonzo Delano, August 28, 1849Map (db m147424) HM
55 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-32 — Applegate Trail - Descent to Goose Lake
On U.S. 395 at milepost 50.6, on the right when traveling south.
"Traveled ... to Goose Lake. The descent ... is sidling and dangers. While we were nooning here 2 wagons of other trains were upset and mashed to atoms" - Simon Doyle, Sep 19 1849 Guidebook available Trails West Inc., P.O. Box 12045, . . . Map (db m87849) HM
56 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-31 — Applegate Trail - Descent to Lassen Creek
On County Route 133C, 0.3 miles south of South Willow Ranch Road (County Route 47), on the left when traveling south.
"Four miles to a beautiful little stream of pure cold water coming from the mountains to our left and emptying into Goose Lake ... Camped there ...Found plenty of ripe plums on the neighboring mountain sides." - Andrew Murphy, Sep 23, 1849Map (db m147338) HM
57 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-33 — Applegate Trail - New Road to Yreka
On Westside Road (County Route 48) near U.S. 395, on the left when traveling west.
"We leave the old Lawson Road for the new road to Shasta Valley (Yreka) to day It seems as if the road is one stone pile We have to goe a foot in such places for fear of getting our heads nocked off" Sophroni Helen Stone, Sep 13 1852 . . . Map (db m87850) HM
58 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-37 — South Road - Applegate Trail
On Crowder Flat Rd (Forest Road 73), on the right when traveling south.
. . . Map (db m152266) HM
59 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-39 — South Road - Blazed Pine Tree
On Mowitz Rd (Forest Road 46N10), on the right when traveling south.
. . . Map (db m152279) HM
60 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-35 — South Road - Devil's Garden
On FS 46N02 at FS 46N05A, on the right when traveling south on FS 46N02.
. . . Map (db m152255) HM
61 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-36 — South Road - Fletcher Creek
. . . Map (db m152262) HM
62 California, Modoc County, Davis Creek — A-34 — South Road - McGinty Creek
. . . Map (db m152254) HM
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63 California, Modoc County, Fort Bidwell — A-28A — Applegate Trail - Fandango Pass Ascent
On Fandango Pass Road (County Route 9) 2.5 miles north of Surprise Valley Road, on the right when traveling north.
"We arrived at the foot of the summit ridge, the top of which lay one mile distant ... Up we ascended, slowly but surely, by the toilsome climbing of the teams and by lifting of the members. ... at the wheels." - William Swain, Oct 11, 1849Map (db m147406) HM
64 California, Modoc County, Fort Bidwell — A-28B — Applegate Trail - Fandango Pass Descent
On Fandango Pass Road, 3.8 miles north of Surprise Valley Road, on the left when traveling north.
"Passing over the summit, which is a very narrow ridge, a broad,deep valley ... presented itself to our view, far below us ... We immediately descended the mountain, which on this side, is fearfully steep" - Amos Batchelder, Sep 25, 1849Map (db m147407) HM
65 California, Modoc County, Fort Bidwell — A-30 — Applegate Trail - Through the Forest
On Forest Road 30, 2 miles south of County Route 133C, on the left when traveling south.
"Trees hundreds of feet high and 4-5-6 feet in diameter ... We can drive anywhere among the trees. Only the ground is covered with cobble stones" - E. W. Brooks, Sep 1, 1849Map (db m147888) HM
66 California, Modoc County, Newell — A-44 — Applegate Trail - Bloody Point — California Historical Landmark No. 8 —
On Old Alturas Highway (County Route 114) 1.1 miles north of County Route 101, on the left when traveling north.
"Over divide to Tule Lake, on Lost River, passed in sight of Bloody Point where a train of emigrants were cut off last year. This afternoon Geo. W. Ebey killed a brant on the lake. Oh, so good to eat." - James Henry Bascomb Royal, Oct 19, 1853.Map (db m147563) HM
67 California, Modoc County, Newell — A-40 — Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring
On 46N19.
"Camped at a magnificent spring of fresh cold water, which we called Goff's Spring, in honor of the newly elected lieutenant of the company." -Levi Scott, South Road Exploring Party, 1846Map (db m151903) HM
68 California, Modoc County, Newell — Burnett CutoffAssociated With the California Trail National Historic Trail System
On California Route 139, 4.4 miles north of Clear Lake Road, on the right when traveling north.
This trail was blazed by Peter Burnett in 1848 from Oregon City, Oregon Territory to the California gold fields. The route followed the Applegate Trail south and eastward to Tule Lake. It then struck southward probably following an earlier trail . . . Map (db m147839) HM
69 California, Nevada County, Alta Sierra — T-62 — Truckee Trail - All Hills and Ravines
On Taylor Crossing Road at Dog Bar Road, on the left when traveling east on Taylor Crossing Road.
"The country here is all hill & ravine the soil red or yellow mixed with small stones & gravel - Timber mostly pine some oak & cov[ere]d with dried up weeds no grass except in some ravines" - William Edwin Chamberlain, Aug 16, 1849Map (db m149137) HM
70 California, Nevada County, Alta Sierra — T-63 — Truckee Trail - Among the Foothills
On Dog Bar Road at Owl Hill Court, on the left when traveling north on Dog Bar Road.
"Now that we are among the foot hills the pines have disappeared and in their place beautiful evergreen oak is scattered here and there giving the appearance of old apple orchards." - A, J. McCall, Sep 14, 1849Map (db m149156) HM
71 California, Nevada County, Chicago Park — T-60 — Truckee Trail - Forks Right & Left
On Colfax Highway (California Route 174) at Lower Colfax Road, on the left when traveling north on Colfax Highway.
"[From Greenhorn Creek] we past [sic] up a steep ascent (doubled teamed) & came to the forks of the road. The right goes by the way of Yuba & left straight on by Johnsons [Ranch] We taken [sic] the left." - Augustus Ripley Burbank, Sep . . . Map (db m149130) HM
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72 California, Nevada County, Cisco Grove — T-47 — Truckee Trail - Ascent to Lake and Valley
On an unnamed dirt road, on the right.
"Traveled six miles down Eubah then took to the left over the mountain passed a lake on our left on top of the mountain [Crystal Lake] drove ... to a valley on our left [Six Mile Valley] and encamp" - William P. Thompson, Aug 28, 1850Map (db m149761) HM
73 California, Nevada County, Higgins Corner — T-66 — Truckee Trail - Approaching Sacramento Valley
On Garden Bar Road at Troy Road, on the left when traveling south on Garden Bar Road.
"We are evidently approaching the plains [of Sacramento Valley]. The hills are decreasing in magnitude & every thing indicates that we have gotten through the most difficult part of the mountains." - Jacob R. Snyder, Sep 25, 1845Map (db m149139) HM
74 California, Nevada County, Nevada City — NC-9 — Nevada City Road - Leaving Washington Ridge
On Conservation Road, 0.5 miles north of California Route 20, on the right when traveling north.
"We dared not lets them browse among the trees lest, by feeding on the poison oak, it might prove...fatal to them.... We therefore sought a place of greater safety,...through a forest of pine and cedar." - John Steele, Sep 22, 1850Map (db m148909) HM
75 California, Nevada County, Nevada City — NC-6 — Nevada City Road - No Water on Washington Ridge
On California Route 20 at Ridgewood Road, on the left when traveling east on State Route 20.
"We camped in the woods and chained our oxen to a tree and fed them a little hay that we got in [Bear] Valley for the purpose; we had no water for them, but got a little for ourselves by going a mile for it." William B. Baker, Aug 31, 1852Map (db m149129) HM
76 California, Nevada County, Nevada City — Pioneer Emigrant Trail
On East Broad Street.
This boulder was known to the pioneers as the Indian Medicine Stone. On its top are hollows in which the Indians lay while taking sun baths to cure their ills. One branch of the Emigrant Trail leading from Truckee Pass to the gold mines of Nevada . . . Map (db m37121) HM
77 California, Nevada County, Omega — NC-3 — Nevada City Road - Washington Ridge Summit
On State Highway 20, on the left when traveling east.
"Climbing the steep mountain road [from Bear Valley] to the summit, we struck off in a westerly course, along a heavily timbered ridge" John Steele, Sep 21, 1850Map (db m148898) HM
78 California, Nevada County, Truckee — Nev.-01-95 — Schallenberger Cabin Site
Near this spot stood a small cabin built by 18 year old Moses Schallenberger and two other men. They were members of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy party of 1844, the first pioneers to take wagons over the Sierra Nevada, opening the Truckee Route of . . . Map (db m94059) HM
79 California, Nevada County, Truckee — Stephens – Townsend – Murphy Party of 1844First Pioneer Wagons Over The Sierra Nevada
Near Donner Pass Road (Old Highway 40).
On May 22, 1844, this small wagon party of 50 men, women and children “jumped off” from Council Bluffs, Iowa, bound for California. These courageous pioneers were the first emigrants to take wagons over the Sierra Nevada, opening the . . . Map (db m23567) HM
80 California, Nevada County, Washington — NC-4 — Nevada City Road - Opposite Washington Diggings
On Skillman Road, 0.1 miles east of California Route 20, on the left when traveling east.
"Traveled 16 miles of pretty good road except [from] Bear Valey [sic]. Hilly which was very steep. Camped in mountain opposite Washington [Diggings] on the Yuba River, No feed or water, but plenty of timber." - John Shin, Sep 30, 1850Map (db m148908) HM
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81 California, Placer County, Soda Springs — Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party
On Hampshire Rocks Road, on the left when traveling east.
In 1844, the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party became the first wagon party to cross the Sierra Nevada. A portion of the group spent the winter nearby along the Yuba River, before continuing to Sutter's Fort in the spring of 1845. Their pioneering . . . Map (db m95508) HM
82 California, Placer County, Soda Springs — T-42 — Truckee Trail - Leaving Summit Valley
On Soda Springs Road, 0.8 miles south of Donner Pass Road, on the left when traveling south.
About one mile from our camp and we left the valley to our right and went up a ravine on the left; 4 miles more brought us to a group of lakes (6 in number) the water in them was cool and beautifully clear - John Markle, August 22, 1849Map (db m149586) HM
83 California, Placer County, Soda Springs — T-43 — Truckee Trail - Through Boulder Field
On Kidd Lakes Road, 2 miles west of Soda Springs Road, on the right when traveling west.
You take off to the left of the valey [sic] (Summit Valley) Travel over much bad road The rock is all through the wood looking like waggons [sic] white cows and sheep Micajah Littleton, Sep 28, 1850Map (db m95644) HM
84 California, Placer County, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort — T-41 — Truckee Trail - To Summit Valley
On Old Donner Summit Road, 0.9 miles south of Sugar Bowl Road, on the left when traveling east.
Dcinded abut 5 miles (from Roller Pass) throug lovly pine fur & ceder groves some of wich ... measured upwards of 33 feet and look as though they were 300 feet high. Came to a butifull little valley & campt - M. A. Violette, Sep 1, 1849Map (db m149497) HM
85 California, Plumas County, Beckwourth — B-10 — Beckwourth Trail - Head Waters of Feather River
On Main Street, on the left when traveling east.
"The road now continues down the valley ... thirteen miles. Here is a spring of water near the road, on the left. Also a small stream, the head waters of Feather River. ...Passed several [mountains] called buttes." - Henry T. Baldy, Sep 8, 1852Map (db m148732) HM
86 California, Plumas County, Beckwourth — B - 11 — Beckwourth Trail – The Road Forks
Near Feather River Highway (Route 70), on the left when traveling west.
“Beckwiths House (is) the first house that I have seen since I left (Ft.) Laramie... at Beckwiths House the roads fork, the left hand goes to 76 & Maryesville, the right hand is called Beckwiths rout to Maryesville.” – John F. . . . Map (db m66177) HM
87 California, Plumas County, Chilcoot — B-8 — Beckwourth Trail - Beckwourth Pass
On Chilcoot Avenue, 0.3 miles south of California Route 70, on the left when traveling west.
"Trow informed us we were in California, when father gave three loud cheers, which echoed from the rocks and hills about us. Willie said that he would not like to spend his life in California if this was it." - Harriet S. Ward, Oct 1, 1853Map (db m148728) HM
88 California, Plumas County, Meadow Valley — B-35 — Beckwourth Trail – Grizzly Creek
On Oroville-Bucks Lake Road.
“Crossed a brook with high banks, where Squire Stephens upset the wagon he was driving in which was Philip Linthicum and he was hurt very badly” – John Dalton, Sep. 2, 1852Map (db m56549) HM
89 California, Plumas County, Meadow Valley — B-34 — Beckwourth Trail – Haskins Valley
On Oroville-Bucks Lake Road.
“... camped in order to cut some grass to feed along the road ahead, and also on account of P. Linthicum who was still very sick; not expected to live.” – John Dalton, Sep. 3, 1852Map (db m56548) HM
90 California, Plumas County, Meadow Valley — B 33 — Beckwourth Trail – Rich Valley
On Bucks Lake Road, on the right when traveling west.
Now under water, Rich Valley and Bucks Ranch (1850) made a superb stopping place for emigrants of 1851 and later. “Good grass, wood and water” – John Dalton, Sep. 1, 1852Map (db m56536) HM
91 California, Plumas County, Quincy — B-24A — Beckwourth Trail – American Ranch
On Jackson Street at Coburn Street on Jackson Street.
This marker stands on part of the American Ranch of 1850. A way stop for emigrants of 1851 and later. “Here were obtained some fine vegetables...” Joshua Variel. Sept. 17, 1852Map (db m56403) HM
92 California, Plumas County, Quincy — B-23 — Beckwourth Trail – Greenhorn Creek Canyon
Near California Route 70 at milepost 49.5.
Trail route, 1851 and later. “Drove... through the canyon crossing the creek five times, two miles over the roughest road I ever saw” – Joshua Variel, Sep 16, 1852.Map (db m56500) HM
93 California, Plumas County, Quincy — B-24 — Beckwourth Trail – New England Ranch
On Quincy Junction Road at Chandler Road, on the right when traveling north on Quincy Junction Road.
“Had a hard road, crooked & rocky. Had to cross (Greenhorn) creek 8 times in going 5 miles. Got down to the New England Ranch at noon, camped here for today.” - Chester Smith, Sep. 27, 1852.Map (db m66159) HM
94 California, Plumas County, Vinton — B-9 — Beckwourth Trail - Beckwourth Valley
On California Route 70 at Cow Camp Road, on the right when traveling west on State Route 70.
"We beheld a large valley spread out before us, surrounded by majestic mountains covered with pine and snow. Six miles down the valley brought us into camp on the banks of a branch of Feather River." - Jacob S Hayden, Aug 19, 1853Map (db m148730) HM
95 California, San Joaquin County, French Camp — 668 — French Camp
On South Elm Street, on the right when traveling east.
Here was the terminus of the Oregon-California Trail used by the French-Canadian trappers employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company from about 1832 to 1845. Michel La Framboise, among others, met fur trappers here annually where they camped with their . . . Map (db m15957) HM
96 California, Santa Clara County, Cupertino — Captain Elisha Stephens1804 - 1887 — A True Pioneer —
Near Stevens Creek Boulevard.
Captain Stephens brought the first wagons over the snow covered Sierra Nevada Truckee Pass with no casualties in the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend party of 1844, arriving at Sutter's Fort with 11 wagons and 51 people plus 2 infants born on the way. . . . Map (db m24125) HM
97 California, Santa Clara County, Morgan Hill — Murphy-Stephens-Townsend Party1844
Near Monterey Highway south of Wright Avenue.
Murphy-Stephens-Townsend Party, the first wagon train across the Sierra NevadaMap (db m213071) HM
98 California, Shasta County, Anderson — N-58 — Nobles Trail - Bear Creek
On Dersch Road, 0.3 miles west of Hyrax Road, on the right when traveling west.
"Rolled on to Bear Creek a distance of about 14 miles and encamped on a small island near the creek... many grapes nearly ripe along the banks and grizzly bears are said to be plenty." - Joseph R. Bradway, Sep 12, 1853Map (db m149411) HM
99 California, Shasta County, Old Station — N-27 — Nobles Trail - Butte Creek
On Forest Road 32N21, 4.7 miles south of California Route 44, on the right when traveling south.
"We finally reached Black Butte Creek and followed it to Black Butte Lake. The lake was three miles long and on its left shore was a volcano which had been active a few years before." Tosten Kittelsen Stabek, 1852Map (db m148275) HM
100 California, Shasta County, Old Station — N-40 — Nobles Trail - Devil's Half Acre
Near Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (California Route 44), on the left when traveling west.
"Then some miles of very rocky road amongst which is the piece called the 'Devils Half Acre', then tolerable road for rest of the day" - Benjamin Franklin Ruggles, Aug 16, 1859Map (db m149314) HM

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May. 8, 2024