Gold Country Books

The Gold Rush of California

california independentThe largest migration in world history, of Overland pioneers traversing the continent on foot with wagons and horses, took place right here – beginning in 1848. The discovery of the precious metal gold, that set this rolling, was centered around the western Sierra rivers and mountains of California. The migration west began much earlier, but it increased dramatically after the news spread.

Gold Country Books can relate the historic details of yesteryear.

Within only a decade the entire West Coast was transformed into a developed landscape, with people coming from all over the world to stake out their claims, dreaming of fortunes or simply, just to find work and create a new life. Hence, California became a U.S. state in 1850. Consequently, the railroads followed soon after.

Find Gold Country Maps

Gold Rush Map Books

Columbia State Historic Park, California

California’s Gold Country Books

Gold Country Books

Coloma Gold Centennial Stamp 1948

Our Favorites on California History

Little did I know what pleasure reading California historical books would bring me in my middle years of life. Transport yourself to the dusty trails and hardships of Overland pioneer life, or imagine a two year journey sailing around the bottom of South America to reach this desolate coast in the early 1800’s. Read these books below to get a glimpse into an Old California story. One you can only dream about, knowing what has become of it today.

Gold Country Books

Gold Country Goofballs in Auburn, CA

Arizona Books & Maps

Arizona Books and Maps

Grand Canyon NP, Arizona (south rim)

Arizona Books and Maps

Hiking Maps AZ & Books for Camping Arizona

Arizona Books and Maps

Canyon de Chelley


Arizona Books and Maps

Colorado River RV Camping

Arizona Books and Maps

Recreational Map AZ (older edition)

Arizona Books and Maps

see also –

Anza Borrego Desert Map
BLM Maps
Mojave Desert Books
Mojave Maps
San Diego Backcountry Map 

Washington Hiking Books

Washington Hiking BooksPNW
The Pacific Northwest region covers both Washington and Oregon, which are directly north of California. Abundant coastlines, waterways, islands, with mountains with forests, rivers and waterfalls. Summer is the best time to camp in this state, as it rains most often in other months.

Books for Washington State: Hike, Bike, Fish, Kayak, Explore

Washington Hiking Books


Washington Hiking Books
Washington Hiking Books


Washington Hiking Books

see also – 

Columbia River Map
PCT Map 9 – Southern Washington
PCT Map 10 – Northern Washington

Santa Barbara Books

Santa Barbara Books

Figueroa Mountain of the Santa Barbara Backcountry

Find Los Padres National Forest Map

Find Sespe Wilderness Trail Map

Find Channel Island National Park Map

Books on the Santa Barbara Coast & the Santa Barbara Mountains

Santa Barbara Books


Santa Barbara Books

Peppermint Lupine @ Figueroa Mountain Road

Santa Barbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California, of which it is also the county seat. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to being a popular tourist and resort destination, the city has a diverse economy that includes a large service sector, education, technology, health care, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, and local government.

The city is served by Santa Barbara Airport and train service is provided by Amtrak, which operates the Pacific Surfliner, which runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The Santa Barbara area is connected via U.S. Highway 101 to Los Angeles (100 miles to the southeast) and San Francisco (325 miles to the northwest).

Behind the city, in and beyond the Santa Ynez Mountains, is the Los Padres National Forest, which contains several remote wilderness areas. Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary are located approximately 20 miles offshore.

Santa Barbara Mountains:

Santa Barbara Books