Downieville is still an authentic Gold Rush town: rustic, contemporary, eccentric and proud of it. It offers good food, soft beds, two museums, and a quirky theatre true to presenting a flavor of the town’s history.
Downieville usually rests rather quietly on the beautiful North Yuba River. Friday and Saturday summer nights take on a boisterous air when the little town opens up and reveals its spirited personality.
The Downie River with its superlative feeder streams of Empire, Lavezzola, and Pauley Creek and Gold Valley offer outstanding hiking, equestrian and mountain biking opportunities.
Downieville usually rests rather quietly on the beautiful North Yuba River. Friday and Saturday summer nights take on a boisterous air when the little town opens up and reveals its spirited personality.
Public gold panning and whitewater access are permitted in the community park next to the pizza parlor.
Camping opportunities stretch along the river above and below Downieville’s mid-point location along the river’s length. The inspiring Lakes Basin recreational area sits less than a half-hour above the little town.
The Downie River with its superlative feeder streams of Empire, Lavezzola, and Pauley Creek and Gold Valley offer outstanding hiking, equestrian and mountain biking opportunities. Many mountain bikers consider this nirvana. Gold Valley and several less challenging routes attract OHV enthusiasts. Fishing is equally good as is hunting in the high country and deep canyons. One of only two publicly available gold panning sites on the North Yuba River is available adjacent to the Lions’ City Park.
Shuttle busses operate in summers for hikers or carrying riders along with their mountain bikes to several trailheads on ridge tops. Inquire in town or on-line for schedules. See point F on North Yuba River -- Downieville Map.
| Population: | 325 | Links: | Visitor Center: www.sierracounty.org |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Services:
Automotive
Lodging
|
|||
From Nevada City travel 42 miles north and east on Highway 49. From Truckee follow Highway 89 North to Sattley and then head west over the Yuba Pass on Highway 49