Placerita Canyon State Park

Placerita Canyon State Park extends across hills and canyons, featuring oak woodlands, riparian habitats, and native plant communities throughout its grounds.

The park marks the location where Francisco Lopez discovered gold flakes on wild onion roots in 1842, preceding the California Gold Rush by several years.

The Tataviam people inhabited this region long before European settlement, leaving behind a legacy that connects to the natural resources of the canyon.

Multiple trails accommodate different hiking abilities, while the Nature Center provides exhibits, educational programs, and information about local wildlife and ecosystems.

The park contains a rare natural occurrence of clear, filtered petroleum that seeps from the ground, differing from typical dark crude oil.

Location: Los Angeles County

Inception: 1950

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=622

GPS coordinates: 34.37580,-118.44600

Latest update: May 14, 2025 18:51