Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a unique east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak woodlands, chaparral covered slopes and a seasonal stream. The natural area park is situated on the northwest side of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounded by the Angeles National Forest. The park offers eight trails that network over 12 miles and is also the home of the famous "Oak of the Golden Dream" where gold was first discovered in California in 1842. Visit the Walker Cabin and experience early pioneer living, or enjoy a unique animal presentation with live animals in the newly renovated "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" nature

The purpose of Placerita Canyon State Park, in Los Angeles County, is to preserve and protect the site of the first discovery of gold in California, in 1842. Designated as a State Historic Landmark, the unit is situated in the transition zone between the San Gabrial Mountains and the Mojave Desert, and contains sandstone formations, seasonal streams and riparian oak woodlands, as well as stands of cottonwood and native sycamore trees. The unit's location provides significant linkages connecting the Angeles National Forest, the Santa Susana Mountains, the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. The unit contains the remnants of an historic ranch.