Alleghany

The Sixteen-to-One Mine, the largest mine in the district, still operates as a down-to-earth gold mine and as a mining museum. You can work there or you can choose to visit it as a tourist. The mine is able to brag that it is “the oldest American gold mining company and the only remaining deep lode mining operation in the United States.” Established in 1896, the Sixteen to One Mine is a unique "pocket" mine where gold is found in highly concentrated deposits within the quartz vein. The mine has produced over 1 million ounces of gold and is famous for its quartz and gold gemstone sought by jewelers. Tours are arranged through the museum, which has several great displays and videos of mining history.

The bar/café is the one remaining service provider for visitors. Locals and even a few tourists drive all the way back into these mountains just to visit, eat, and drink a cold beer. Judging from the number of peanut shells on the bar room floor, patrons eat lots of peanuts.
Alleghany sits just below the southern leg of historic Henness Pass Road as it goes around nearby Forest City. This is a fun back-country drive that’s perfect for your SUV. Alleghany is the one community between Camptonville and Verdi, Nevada that offers any resemblance to services. As long as its food and drink, not gas or a soft bed, you’re looking for.

Forest City, about 5 miles to the north, has been proclaimed a National Historic Landmark. Much of the Gold Rush charm is still there but it is buried below the grime of more recent struggles to make a living after the gold was all but gone. Don’t look for services period. Local volunteers sometimes operate a gritty museum that reeks authenticity but lacks funding to display and interpret. Call ahead for operating hours and don’t miss it.

Mountain bike trails have been laid out around Forest City and the Henness Pass Road and are a great tour all by themselves. The Tyler-Foote Crossing back-country route is a Sunday drive worth the trip all by itself. When you’re not too shaky from the cliff-hanging drive dropping down into the Middle Yuba River canyon, get out and admire the hand-crafted rock work from the late 1800s that was used to keep the road on the side hill.

The Plumbaggo Road and the Lafeyette OHV route are fun rides but not technically challenging. The Plumbago Road is still a county route although it must be one of the most demanding drives in Sierra County’s list of official routes. From Alleghany the drop down is recommended for four wheel drives but my Subaru Forester all-wheel drive thought it was a drive in the park. Motorbikes even continue south on the county road up to historic Graniteville. Don’t take a new bike.

Fishing in the Middle Yuba above and below the county bridge is well worth the trip but stay off all private mining claims. This bridge also offers access for launching a totally back-country, whitewater run down to Our House Reservoir. This is for only the hearty or foolhardy with 4-wheel drive vehicles and lots of time for shuttling vehicles. And for those with lots of experience. Kayaks are more suited; there are several portages, including one around a class VI gorge.

To Alleghany

From Nevada City drive north on Highway 49 for about 20 miles to the Pike and Alleghany county road. Turn right (east) and follow the paved road for 17 miles to the Forest City intersection. Veer right (southeast) down another three miles to Alleghany. Either one of the two city streets that you encounter as you enter town lead to the museum and the bar/café.

Communities

• North San Juan

Winter

• Henness Pass Road