Author: Amanda D. Paulson @prettyfnspooky
California, with its vast and diverse landscapes, offers endless opportunities for a great North American road trip. From giant redwoods to sandy beaches, rolling foothills to golden deserts, the Golden State is impressive no matter where you land.
But it’s when autumn arrives, that California really shines, especially in Gold Rush country. Fall vibes and even the occasional ghost story awaits on a drive north of Sacramento through Placer County.
Located between San Francisco and Reno, Placer County is best explored by heading north on I-80. With dark forests, pinecones as big as your head, and unique architecture along the way, driving through Placer County is the perfect autumn road trip. I was especially excited to be invited recently, not just as a visitor, but as a paranormal researcher and historian, to share a road trip itinerary for spooky travelers like me.
Dutch Flat Cemetery
Day 1
Colfax
After landing in Sacramento, I first stopped in the picture-perfect town of Colfax.
Stop inside the Colfax Heritage Museum to meet the passionate staff of this Southern Pacific Passenger Depot-turned-free museum. The building, constructed in 1905 to replace the 1865 Depot, holds various items that tell stories spanning generations of Colfax history.
Colfax Heritage Museum, 99 Railroad Street, Colfax, CA
Be sure to take time to stroll through the old-timey storefronts of downtown Colfax, where you can hunt for antiques, stop at a gift shop, or grab some coffee and a bite to eat.
Downtown Colfax
Dutch Flat
Driving higher into the Sierra Nevada foothills, our next stop is Dutch Flat, a well-preserved, nearly ghost town founded in 1851.
Our room for the night was at the Dutch Flat Hotel, built in 1852 on the main road of what remains of Dutch Flat. The dimly lit hallways, deep red wallpaper, and creak of the wood-slatted balconies add to the vibe of this autumnal road trip.
Dutch Flat Hotel, 32798 Main Street, Dutch Flat, CA
Just behind the hotel you’ll find the Dutch Flat Cemetery, the most haunting gem on this trip. The sprawling grounds are filled with historic headstones and the eerie sound of passing trains.
The old Dutch Flat Elementary School, built in 1898 and the Odd Fellows Building and Masonic Hall, both constructed before 1856, are some other haunting photo opportunities that should not be missed.
Dutch Flat Post Office
Dutch Flat Cemetery, Dutch Flat, CA
And don’t blink, or you’ll miss the Hearse House on your way out!
Hearse House, Dutch Flat, CA
Day 2
Donner Memorial State Park
Next on our trip is Donner Summit, a nature wonderland just shy of Donner Pass, the site of the iconic yet somber Donner Party story.
The drive up to Donner Summit weaves between Placer County and Nevada County, but many incredible viewpoints and winter recreation areas lie on the Placer side.
The short 45-minute drive from Dutch Flat is well worth it, for both the beauty and the macabre history of this corner of the state.
Donner Lake
Auburn
Our weekend road trip wraps up in Auburn, where I stayed at the 1959 retro-modern Foothills Motel. To step further back in time, you’ll want to make a visit to Auburn’s historic Old Town, filled with 19th-century buildings and the impressive Placer County Courthouse Museum.
Take a self-guided walking tour around Old Town to see historical, and sometimes haunted, locations like:
- The Joss House – A historic Taoist temple turned museum and Chinese History Center, considered by many locals to be haunted.
- Old Town Auburn Cemetery – A historic cemetery that’s free to visit any time of the year but offers a special Old Auburn Cemetery Tour in October.
- The Fire Queen Historical Marker
- Historic Auburn Fire House
You can also check out the Old Town Auburn Walking Ghost Tour and Stage Show, run by Gold Country Ghost Tours, if you’re looking for a guided experience. But make sure to plan ahead! This popular autumn event tends to sell out quickly.
Historic Auburn Fire House
The Joss House
Historic Auburn Courthouse
Lincoln
Just before heading to the Sacramento airport, I made one last stop in the charming town of Lincoln, established in 1859. Today they’re known for the Lincoln Archives Museum and multiple blocks of restaurants and shopping.
I was pleasantly surprised to also find Field Haven Marketplace in Lincoln, a thrift store that also hosts a cat café, where you can pet cats up for adoption. A furry friend was the perfect farewell for the weekend.
Field Haven Marketplace, Lincoln, CA
Conclusion
Traveling through Placer County and connecting with the history and ghosts of California’s Gold Rush era was a trip I’ll never forget. Each town invites curiosity, which I’m always looking for in a road trip.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, and even a little mystery, Placer County can offer a fun, autumn road trip that’s perfect for the spooky traveler within. If you’re ready to plan your own trip, Visit Placer is the perfect guide to help you explore this gorgeous corner of the Golden State.
Golden Drift Museum, Dutch Flat, CA