Welcome to
Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis
DOWNIEVILLE
Looking for a New Adventure?
Downieville Has It All
Downieville is a mountain biking boomtown located along Highway 49 in the Lost Sierra region of the Tahoe National Forest. It was founded in 1849, during the historic gold rush. The village built along the banks of two (the North Yuba and the Downie) pristine spring and
snowmelt-fed rivers is a year-round destination. Visitors will find a quaint downtown surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Downtown Downieville features hotels, inns, and cottages for accommodations, restaurants, shops, bars, a day spa, and a gallery to explore.
The Sierra town is host to the legendary Downieville Classic Cross Country Race and Festival. Each year, the town sees its population swell as thousands of athletes and spectators come from all over the United States, Canada, and even Europe to attend one of the top 10 bicycle festivals, according to Outside Magazine. The festival includes two of the toughest mountain bike races, food, live music, and the always-popular Ron’s House of Big Air bike jump.
Downieville is also well known for being one of the best locations for other outdoor activities, including white water rafting, kayaking, camping, hiking, fly fishing, and off-roading during the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Lodging in Downieville is an escape to a historic gold rush town where the rustic feel of the late 1800s remains with modern amenities for convenience.
Take a look at the beautiful scenery of Downieville, CA, the shops in town, the delicious food, and the atmosphere that makes this destination so unique for tourists.
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Historic Downieville, CA in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
In 1848, gold nuggets found in the American River near what is now known as Placerville, CA sparked the California Gold Rush of the late 1840s and early 1850s. As an influx of people traveled to the western portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in hopes of striking it rich, the town of Downieville was founded on Highway 49 just north of the original gold discovery.
The area, originally known as The Forks because of its location at the fork of the Downie and Yuba Rivers, was soon dubbed Downieville after the town’s founder William Downie. Downie himself was a 49er who successfully led an expedition and made a fortune discovering gold on the site of the town.
At the height of the gold rush, Downieville’s population skyrocketed to over 5,000, with an active downtown area with 15 hotels, four bakeries, and a variety of butcher shops and saloons.
As Times Change, Much of Downieville Remains the Same
Since those days of the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, things have changed in Downieville. The population has settled to about 200 year-round residents, and modern amenities and conveniences have replaced the old technology the town was initially built upon.
What hasn’t changed is the historic western attraction and appeal for which the area is known. If you’ve ever been interested in experiencing authentic western, small-town enchantment, Downieville, CA is about as original as you can get.
Sierra Frontier Medical Resource
SFMR
A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Sierra Frontier Medical Resource, Inc. (SFMR) is dedicated to strengthening healthcare in western Sierra County, California. SFMR's mission is to secure the financial and other resources necessary to ensure that residents and visitors have access to essential health services, including primary, urgent, and emergency care.
Downtown Downieville
Downieville, CA’s downtown area is small and quaint but has everything you need at businesses like Empire Creek Provisions, eateries, coffee shops, and more. There are various lodging options right in town on the river that offer balconies for spectacular views of the river and mountains.
No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you’ll have a fabulous experience exploring the mountains, meeting the locals, and creating lasting memories.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Lost Sierra
When you cross the historic bridges into Downieville and hear the North Yuba and Downie rivers converging below, you immediately feel the magic of the Lost Sierra.
At Discover Downieville, we are your local starting point for exploring this untouched corner of Northern California. Tucked away amid towering pines, dramatic river canyons, and rugged granite peaks, Downieville offers an authentic mountain escape. Whether you are seeking high-adrenaline singletrack, pristine swim holes, or a peaceful weekend exploring Gold Rush history, the Lost Sierra is ready for you.
Here is what you can experience in our backyard right now.
1. World-Class Trails for Every Adventurer
Downieville is legendary in the outdoor world, but the trail network reaching out across our region offers something for every type of dirt lover.
To plan your trail time, check out the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s Connected Communities Routes. SBTS is bringing to life Connected Communities, a visionary 527-mile multi-use trail network connecting 15 mountain towns. You can download route maps and GPS files directly for every discipline:
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Mountain Biking: Hop on local shuttles to tackle the iconic Downieville Downhill or explore expansive singletrack networks nearby.
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Bikepacking & Gravel: Ride multi-day backcountry loops like the Lost Sierra Loop or the high-desert terrain of Sagebrush to Snowbanks.
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Backpacking & Hiking: Hit scenic canyon trails right out of town or connect with breathtaking sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
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OHV & Dual-Sport: Navigate hundreds of miles of designated backcountry dirt roads and forest routes linking regional mountain passes.
Before heading out, check live trail conditions and download GPX tracks from the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship route portal.
2. Alpine Lakes & High-Country Escape
Just up Highway 49 lies the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, an alpine haven featuring over 20 crystal-clear mountain lakes. It is the perfect destination for a day of paddleboarding, kayaking, or quiet fishing along the shore.
For the ultimate view, take the classic trek up to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout. Standing tall at over 8,500 feet, the historic lookout treats hikers to unmatched, 360-degree vistas across the entire Sierra Nevada range and Sardine Lake below.
3. Small-Town Charm & Local Hospitality
When the trails quiet down, Downieville comes alive with easygoing mountain hospitality. Walk our historic wooden boardwalks, stop into local cafes, grab a cold craft beer at a neighborhood saloon, or relax along the riverbanks.
To discover regional events, local dining, and hidden spots across neighboring mountain towns like Sierra City, Quincy, and Graeagle, visit Visit Sierra County.
Start Planning Your Journey
Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended mountain vacation, let Discover Downieville help you find the best places to stay, eat, and explore. Come experience the timeless beauty of the Lost Sierra!
Outdoor Adventures Await
Get Close to Nature
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White-water rafting
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Snowmobiling
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Snowshoeing
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Skiing
Downieville, CA is steeped in history going back to its origin as a gold rush town, originally called The Forks, due to its location at the fork of the two rivers. The area also lends itself to a limitless number of mountainside outdoor activities for year-round fun. The region sees very little rain from spring through early winter, which means visitors and tourists can always expect a sunny day when visiting, especially in the summer. Winters are relatively comfortable, with plenty of snowfall to keep visitors busy. The area offers plenty of opportunities for:
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Mountain biking
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Hiking
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Camping
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Swimming
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Fishing
Dirt Magic: Downieville’s Journey From Mining Town to Mountain Bike Meca.
Explore how the rugged terrain that once yielded precious metals now attracts thrill-seekers and nature lovers from around the globe. Learn about the passionate individuals and pivotal moments that shaped Downieville's evolution into a world-renowned mountain biking mecca. Discover the legendary trails, the thriving bike culture, and the enduring spirit of adventure that defines our unique community.
Dirt Magic is a short film documenting Downieville, CA’s transformation from an old mining town to mountain-bike mecca. A group of locals, inspired by a desire to save their hometown trails, shaped a stewardship and the nation’s rowdiest mountain biking festival. Today the Downieville Classic attracts racers and spectators from across the globe and has created a model for struggling mountain towns around the world
The World-Renowned Downieville Classic
Come to Compete or Just to Have Fun
One of the hottest times to visit Downieville is the weekend of the Downieville Classic and Bike Festival. This weekend of competition, food, and live music is a multi-day party like no other.
Thousands of visitors come from across the U.S., Canada, and the world over to compete or just enjoy the festivities and take in the scene.
Competitions include the 26.5-mile cross-country race, a 15-mile downhill race with a 5,000 vertical drop, and the fan-favorite Ron’s House of Big Air bike jump.
Downieville Reviews
Downtown Charm & Local Hospitality
If you’re looking to get away to a one-of-a-kind, magical place unlike any other, Downieville, CA is all that and more, and you don’t have to wait for a bike festival to enjoy it. Friends and families feel a sense of rejuvenation from the crisp mountain air. The walkable downtown area offers a throwback vibe to a simpler time.
The commercial district, featuring Empire Creek Provisions, has everyday essentials for mountain living, ensuring you can always find what you need, even if you’re only here for a short visit. You’ll find live music, trivia nights, organic coffee, and a fair-trade market, all available seven days a week.
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