A Breath of Fresh Air: The Mejia Family’s Mountain Escape to Downieville
- Sonya Z. Meline
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14
On a warm August afternoon, I found myself sitting at the confluence of the Downie and North Yuba Rivers, on the deck of the Riverside Mountain Lodge, watching the sunlight dance on the water. That’s where I met the Mejia family, Tatiana, her husband, and their two daughters who kindly let me interrupt their game of Rummikub to chat about their recent stay in Downieville. What brought them here wasn’t a travel blog or a random road trip it was a silent auction.
Tatiana had placed the winning bid for a Downieville mountain getaway to support CFRI (Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute), a cause very close to her heart. One of her closest friends has a daughter living with cystic fibrosis, and their families have been intertwined ever since their children were babies.
“I remember watching her go through treatments chest therapy, hospital visits it’s intense. Imagine the stress of COVID lockdown, but every single day of your life,” Tatiana shared. “We’ve seen firsthand how CFRI helps families like theirs navigate this challenging journey. It was an easy yes.”
Their weekend was a breath of fresh mountain air quite literally. Coming from San Jose, the family made the four-hour drive, charging their car, grabbing snacks, and preparing for a place they admitted they'd never heard of until the auction. But by the time they arrived, they were all in.
They stayed at Riverside Mountain Lodge, where they quickly fell in love with the scenery, the small-town charm, and the relaxed pace of life. “It’s like a movie set,” Tatiana told me, referring to the downtown area. Her daughters laughed and rolled their eyes lovingly as their mom told stories of her adventurous youth in Colombia and her more recent, very cautious leap into Salmon Lake from the smallest rock she could find. (“A very conservative jump,” her daughter giggled.)
Their days were filled with hikes along the North Yuba Trail, swimming at the hidden Finney’s Hole (link) in the river, pizza and brisket at Boomtown Lounge, and stand-up paddleboarding out to the island at Salmon Lake. “It’s peaceful here,” her husband told me. “You can just walk, relax, sit in front of the river, and reconnect with yourself.”
They also learned a bit about local quirks like the noon bell that once told miners it was time for lunch, or the unexpected spring-fed waterfalls, like Pauley Creek Falls, right here in town where much of Downieville gets its pristine drinking water. There’s history everywhere, from the still-standing truss bridges to the small cemetery where some of the town’s founders are buried.
The Mejia family is already dreaming of their return, especially for Downieville’s annual Halloween History Tour, a spooky (and educational!) tradition where costumed guides tell the true tales of the town’s past. “This would be perfect for Halloween,” Tatiana said, excited by the idea of history, costumes, and small-town fun all rolled into one.
Giving Back: How You Can Help
This special trip was made possible through a partnership with CFRI, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis. Every year, CFRI hosts a fundraiser, and generous donors like the Mejia family help keep vital resources, research, and community support going strong.
“We want to make this an annual tradition,” Tatiana said. “And we hope more hotels and local businesses in Downieville will join in. A few donated nights can make such a difference.”
Here at Discover Downieville, we’re committed to supporting families whether they're coming here for adventure, rest, or healing. We’re also exploring ways to create respite stays for caregivers, where those providing round-the-clock care can unplug, recharge, and breathe in the mountain air if only for a weekend. For those Downieville and surrounding area businesses interested in joining together in this cause.
Plan Your Escape
Whether you're an avid mountain biker, a gold-panning enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape from the city, a trip to Downieville is an experience you won't soon forget. Nestled in the heart of California's stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, this historic town offers a blend of exhilarating adventure and peaceful serenity. From its world-class trails to its rich Gold Rush history, Downieville provides a captivating journey into the past while offering modern-day thrills. Once you experience the charm and natural beauty of this hidden gem, you'll find yourself planning your next visit before you've even left.
Downieville offers something special.
As Tatiana put it: “Don’t miss out. Seriously! Bid hard. It’s worth it.”
If you’re part of a non-profit looking to collaborate, or a visitor looking for something meaningful and memorable, reach out to us at Discover Downieville or click directly Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute to learn how you can get involved.
Contact for Discover Downieville
Gary Herbert
Business Development Specialist
Contact for Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute:
Stacie Reveles: sreveles@CFRI.org
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