The spring of 1845 saw the first covered wagons to surmount the Sierra Nevada mountains. They left this valley, ascended to the ridge, and turned westward to old Emigrant Gap. The wagons were lowered by ropes to the floor of Bear Valley. Hundreds followed, before, during and after the Gold Rush. This was a hazardous portion of the Overland Emigrant Trail.

State Registered Landmark No. 403

Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission.
Base furnished by Placer County Historical Society
Dedicated June 25, 1950