Oak of the Golden Dream - 1842 Telepathic Gold Discovery -

Today is the first time we have ventured out in nearly three months. Both of us felt liberated and were excited to see the Oak of the Golden Dream. We needed to get out, be at one with Nature, do some hiking and enjoy the fresh air.

Placerita Canyon State Park was about an hours drive away, and we left at 7 am not knowing what the traffic was going to be like. Plus, I detest driving on southern Californian freeways and usually avoid them at all cost even if it takes a lot longer.

Large tree and sign in an overflow parking lot at the main entrance to Oak of the Golden Dream park — The entrance to Placerita Canyon

We weren’t surprised to see the parking lot busy but were fortunate to find a spot in the shade of some trees.

The sun was already scorching. Maybe it was the fact that we had been cooped up for what seemed like an eternity, and our bodies needed to readjust. But, just getting out lifted our spirits.

Rolling hills and tall grasses dotted with sporadic trees lead up to a mountainous area just outside Oak of the Golden Dream

With our day-pack filled with water and a few snacks, our hiking boots on, we set out along the Heritage Trail.

the heritage trail

The scenery was breath-taking. Lush grasses, thick brush and tall full trees filled the valley. Following the footpath dappled with shade, we came to a little wooden cabin.

The Walker Cabin

Frank E Walker built this small homestead in 1920 as a winter residence for himself, his wife, Hortense, and their 12 kids.

It has changed somewhat over the years. Once the roof was of tar paper and there were additional rooms to the back where the children slept.

Small one room cabin with a porch set between some trees with some old fashioned gardening equipment outside at Oak of the Golden Dream — The Walker Cabin

After eleven years of living here, the Walkers decided to rent the property out to movie makers to supplement their income. They made it more big-screen friendly by changing the roof to shingle and added the front porch.

The cabin is open to the public on occasion; unfortunately, today was not one of those days. So instead we had to make do with peering through the window.

It was sold to the State of California in 1949 for the use as a natural area.

The bed of a small creek is mostly dry exposing the rocky base with lots of full bushes and trees on either side at Oak of the Golden Dream

After the cabin, the path crosses back across the main entrance and eventually follows a creek that flows underneath the road.

Once you exit the painted tunnel, the reason we came emerges.

Ugly concrete bridge hold the road way above while below is a small stream and artwork to try and make the space look beautiful at Oak of the Golden Dream

Artwork hand painted mural of man waving his hand next to a large distinctive oak tree at Oak of the Golden Dream — Picture taken from a screen shot from Adamthewoo

The Oak of the Golden Dream – How Did the Tree Get Its Name?

On a glorious spring day in 1842, March 9th to be exact, mineralogist Francisco Lopez was napping in the shade of an old oak tree.

The actual large distinctive oak with gaping hole in the middle of the trunk fenced off with information plaque inside at Oak of the Golden Dream

While in slumber, Lopez dreamt that he was floating in a river of pure gold. On waking, he decided to snack on some wild onions. On digging with his sheath knife, he found gold attached to the roots of the bulbs.

This was the first discovery of gold in California. Now the tree is known as the “Oak of the Golden Dream.”

Another view of the trunk of the oak tree that you can see through to the other side from the story at Oak of the Golden Dream

No wonder this spot was chosen for a nap, this tree is unique, and you do want to lay beneath it.

Metal plaque replica of the actual oak from Oak of the Golden Dream

From this point, the trail continues for a short distance then drops away at the fence line.

Fields of wild tall grass lay in a meadow surrounded by large trees at Oak of the Golden Dream — Golden Oak Ranch property line – owned by Disney

Mainly dry and rocky stream bed almost overgrown with the abundance of trees and brush along its banks at Oak of the Golden Dream

Ecology Trail Loop

We head back the way we came to meander through the property, hungry for more places to explore. We found the Ecology Trail at the other end of the park.

Recreation of a small half round Native Indian hut and what their typical site would consist of — Tataviam Indian Dwelling

It is not a very long trail, but it is beautiful taking you past a recreation of a Native abode.

Along the path way that curves out of sight behind the tall grass a lone bench sits under the shade of a large tree

Peculiar plant with small spikes that make a ball covered in a cotton like substance and the tip becomes a cone like shape

The path continues past places to sit in the shade. Then through the tall brush up the hill to a spectacular view of the valley.

Pathway that leads off into the distance and disappears due to the trees on either side encroaching on its boundaries

Overlook from trail at the park that looks out over the valley lush hillsides carry on in the distance

Pathway curves around and becomes engulfed in the thickets of brush along both sides — Stream crossing – wooden bridge

The last little gem on this loop trail is the hummingbird garden. There is a small waterfall in the centre with feeders all around the outside. This is the end which brings you back to the park’s nature centre.

Pathway does a loop lined with rocks with a stone birdbath in the middle and hummingbird feeders all around — Hummingbird Garden

Time for Lunch

We took this opportunity to take a break, get out of the sun, eat the sandwiches we had prepared, and people watch. A strange thing begins to happen when you see people enjoying themselves, basking in the sun and wearing smiles, you can’t help but feel the need to smile yourself. Sometimes we tend to forget how powerful that simple gesture is.

After enjoying a few more moments in the shade, we decided to make a move. There was one more spot we wanted to see.

Walker Ranch

Large gravel path between to hillsides curves out of view while the full landscape of tall grass filled meadow and trees continues on in the distance — Trail road towards East Walker Ranch and Waterfall Trailhead

A little further down the road, we found a place to pull and walked down another trail. Again the scenery of the countryside is enjoyable in every direction.

Old fence cuts through the meadow up to the tree line rising up to the mountains in the distance

We came to a small stream crossing that leads past a large open area surrounded by trees and continued to another trailhead.

Small stream leaders through tall grass while a lifeless looking tree in the distance bends down towards the water — Stream crossing

Unfortunately, upon arrival, we discovered the waterfall trail was closed for repairs. Oh well, maybe another time.

Trail drifts between some tall trees as it becomes lost from view in the thick brush

We headed over to find the remnants of the old Walker family homestead. There, underneath a tree, was a stout and well-built fireplace. This is all that remains.

Large remnants of a fire place beneath a large tree with tall grass all around no other remnants of a house remain — A beautiful stone fireplace

View looking through the back of the fire place where the rocks have fallen out of their place

In the clearing, a short distance away were four benches and a circular fire pit.

Circular stone fire ring sits in the middle of four benches that have become overgrown with the wild grasses — The original Walker home was torn down to make way for a camp ground

our takeaway on the oak of the golden dream

Strangely, you can drive right past a place and not realize what’s there. When you’re back on the road, there doesn’t appear to be anything but tree-lined hillsides and open fields. Instead, there are scenic pathways, fragrant flowers, and gently meandering streams next to park benches and beautiful picnic areas.

As stated earlier, this was the first time we’d been able to get out for a while. We ran into a string of bad luck with our previous vehicle (Mini) and were waiting for a big purchase to arrive for Tonto, (our new Toyota Tacoma.)

Tall trees looking as if the have been caught in a fire reach out over the trail that is lined on either side by lush grasses and flowers — The return trail

Upon realizing how close this area was, we decided it would be nice to get a good hike under our boots again whilst waiting for the shell to arrive.

If more of the trails were open at the time, we would have stayed all day. Paths needed maintenance by the park service though, so it gives us a reason to go back.

Here’s a short vlog about the Oak of the Golden Dream by Adam the Woo.

oak of the golden dream – in a nutshell

Address: Placerita Canyon State Park, 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321
Open sunrise to sunset
Paved and unpaved carpark
Nature Centre with rescue birds and animals – open 9 am – 5 pm daily
FREE
Wilderness area
Several hiking trails
- Botany Trail Loop – 0.05 one way from the trailhead
- Ecology Trail Loop – 0.65 one way from the trailhead
- Heritage Trail Loop – 0.30 one way from the trailhead
- Los Pinetos Trail – 2.25 one way from the trailhead
- Manzanita Mtn Trail – 0.90 one way from the trailhead
- Canyon Trail – 1.85 one way from the trailhead
- Waterfall Trail – 0.75 one way from the trailhead (from Nature Centre approx 5 miles round trip)
Watch for snakes (we didn’t see any)
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take plenty of water with you when hiking
Please remember – Leave No Trace, pack it in, pack it out

location map

Aerial view map of the location of Oak of the Golden Dream park — Location Map

Man in cowboy hat and sunglasses with women in baseball cap and sunglasses taking a selfie. Both are smiling. They are out in woodland and tress are behind them at Oak of the Golden Dream

Explore, have fun and put another Pin In The Atlas!

See you at our next location.

You may also enjoy these other places of interest.

HAUNTED OLD LA ZOO

LUMMIS HOME

ECHO MOUNTAIN

Oak of the Golden Dream – 1842 Telepathic Gold Discovery