Plan Your Adventure in Downieville, CA
Downieville, CA is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise that you can enjoy year-round. From mid-spring through fall, the gorgeous weather enables visitors to get in as many activities as are on their list. With little to no rainfall in the summer, you can expect sunny days just about every day, and with 14 hours of daylight, there’s no rush to get home! In the winter, Downieville turns into a snowy playground. Perfect for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or just sitting by the fire.
Here are some of our favorite ways to take advantage of all there is to do in the Downieville area.
Activities by Season
SPRING
Hiking | Swimming | Biking Camping | Fishing | Mountain Biking | White-Water Rafting Paddle Boarding
Off-Roading
Gold Panning | Kayaking
SUMMER
Hiking | Swimming | Biking | Camping | Fishing | Mountain Biking | White-Water Rafting Paddle Boarding
Off-Roading
Gold Panning | Kayaking
FALL
Hiking | Biking | Camping Fishing | Mountain Biking White-Water Rafting Paddle Boarding | Off-Roading
Gold Panning | Kayaking
WINTER
Hiking | Snowmobiling | Snow Shoeing | Skiing | Cross Country Skiing | Off-Roading
Hiking
With the Sierra Nevada Mountains as our backyard playground, it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the most popular activities and draws to Downieville. Even during winter, there is ample opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the trails on snowshoes. Check out these favorites.he closest town is Downieville, CA.
Sierra Buttes
The Sierra Buttes trail is a moderate hike on the difficulty scale and is a 5.2-mile roundtrip hike if you make the entire trip. The payoff is immense as it offers one of the area’s most breathtaking views. However, be prepared to do some steep climbing up some stairs to get to this vantage point. Anytime from July to October is perfect for this day hike.
Frazier Falls Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike that still packs plenty of scenery, include the Frazier Falls Trail in your activity list. This trail is paved, and is therefore handicap accessible. The falls result from the snow melt-off from the heavy accumulation this area gets during the winter months. As the trail winds through the forest surrounded by huge granite boulders, you’ll enjoy the falls as they flow from the Lakes Basin into Frazier Creek and continue down to the Fork River. The roundtrip hike is 1.4 miles and the trailhead starts about 45 mins from Downieville.
Forest California
Friends Of Forest City (FOFC) is an independent group that has taken on the maintenance of a classic trail network with fast and flowy trails that start just past the town center at the information kiosk. As of mid-September 2019, all the trails have been thoroughly buffed out, and brought back from a severely neglected state. Riding past grazing cows in peaceful meadows, up and down low-risk switchbacks, over hand-built rock bridges, and with trails that pop out along the expansive Pliocene Ridge, you won’t find a prettier place to hike. Keep in mind that there are no services in Forest, and the closest town is Downieville, CA.
Bear Lakes & Long Lake Loop
This seven-mile loop trail is moderately challenging and can be completed in about 3 hours, based on the average speed. That said, there is a lot to do on the hike that might add time, such as bird watching, swimming, and fishing if you choose to include those in your adventure. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails. The “trail” portion ends at a campground, so the last half mile of the loop back to the parking lot is along a paved road.
Second Divide Trail
Embark on an exploration of the Second Divide Trail, a 9.0-mile out-and-back path that rewards adventurers with breathtaking vistas of Pauley Creek. As you traverse this route, you'll also encounter remnants of a bygone era, with several historic miners' cabins dotting the landscape, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past.
Upper Salmon Lake Trail to Deer Lake & Horse Lake
Upper Salmon Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking in the Lakes Basin region. The north side of the lake offers hiking that’s easy to navigate, but the south side is a little trickier. From the trailhead to the Salmon Lake Lodge on the north side is about a one-mile hike. You can continue on 1/8th of a mile to Horse Lake. If you want to continue to Deer Lake, it’s about another mile from Horse Lake. From there, you can pick up trails to the Pacific Crest Trail or the Packer Lake Lodge area.
Loves Falls
Follow the Pacific Crest Trail from HWY 49 to view beautiful Loves Falls. Enjoy this easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail, popular for fishing and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
Biking
While the Downieville Downhill is certainly a must-do, there is an extensive trail system around Downieville that allows for much variety in distance, elevation gain and terrain. All trails have sections that are rocky with exposure, and all are remote with no cell service. Many of these trails were inaccessible except for the strongest of us, but first shuttles and now e-bikes have leveled the playing field, allowing for awesome loops to be put together taking you all over Tahoe National Forest from Downieville. Nearly all trails in the system are OHV, open to bikes, hikers, e-bikes, moto, and equestrians. We recommend that you have a map and check with the local bike shops for trail conditions and closures before you head out. Here are a few of the most popular in the area.
Downieville Downhill
The downhill competition stage in the Downieville Classic, the 15-mile downhill trail covers every type of terrain, from dirt trails in the forest and alpine landscapes to rough downhill patches and narrow paths. It starts high above the town of Downieville and descends 5,000 ft to end right in town. You can take the shuttle from town with one of our two shuttle services (Downieville Outfitters and Big Boulder Adventures), self-shuttle, or climb from town via a variety of fire road routes.
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Downie River Trail
This narrow river trail features technical water crossings with steep drops and climbs, and can be done as an out and back from Downieville. Can also be accessed from Rattlesnake Peak via Chimney Rock Trail and Rattlesnake Creek Trail, which is a steep and loose wild ride!
Fiddle Creek &
Halls Ranch Trails
One of the earliest trails to open in the spring, Fiddle Creek can be looped with Halls Ranch in a couple of different ways to create a 2000 vertical ft loop to a 4000+ ft loop, and provides views of the Sierra Buttes from the top.
Gold Valley Rim Trail to Pauley Creek Trail or Big Boulder Trail
If you’re looking to add elevation gain and gorgeous vistas to your shuttle day, choose the Gold Valley Rim Trail from Packer Saddle and then continue on to Pauley Creek trail, which will drop you onto the bottom of Butcher Ranch Trail. Adding about 750 ft of climbing and 5 miles, this is the descent route taken during the Downieville Classic cross country stage. Alternatively, instead of Pauley Creek you can choose to tackle Big Boulder Trail, another beautiful descent that will drop you at the top of 3rd Divide Trail.
North Yuba Trail
This 16 mile trail stretches from Downieville to Rocky Rest Campground, with a stop in Goodyears Bar halfway through to allow for shorter loops. A true river trail with lots of short ups and downs, you’ll experience many creek crossings and beautiful views of the Yuba River. Great for mountain biking and hiking.
Lavezzola Creek Trail
Steep and loose up top, flowy in the middle, and bench-cut river trail at the bottom, this trail has everything packed into 5 miles!
Empire Creek &
Chimney Rock Trails
Empire Creek Trail is part of a larger trail system that takes you up to Rattlesnake Peak, where Chimney Rock Trail, Craycroft Ridge Trail and Empire Creek Trail meet. Within a few miles, views of both the Sierra Buttes and Chimney Rock are stunning. Empire Creek can be done as an out and back or connect to Chimney Rock, a stunning ridge trail, after which you have a few options from which to choose to bring you back to town. Rattlesnake Peak can also be accessed by 4x4ing up Red Oak OHV and taking a short hike on the Empire/Chimney Rock connector. These trails are very popular with Moto riders.
Swimming
With temperatures in the 80s and sun expected every day during the summer, you can bet that swimming is one of the best activities Downieville has to offer, especially when it’s in the crystal clear and pure water running off the Sierra Nevada Mountains. And the best part? There are plenty of options safe for swimmers of all ages!
Yuba River Campgrounds
The Yuba River is dotted with many campgrounds as it winds through the Downieville area. The river creates natural boulder-lined swimming pools to enjoy a refreshing swim. With so many campgrounds along the river, there are plenty of opportunities to find a spot without a huge crowd.
Sand Pond Picnic
Ground & Beach
Who's up for a picnic and swimming? Sand Pond is located within the Lakes Basin Recreation Area and is surrounded by beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes. You can reach the pond by either a short walk from Sardine Lake National Forest Campground or Sardine Lake Resort. Also, great news for visitors: a new boardwalk is coming soon to Sand Pond!
Oregon Creek Day Use Area
The Oregon Creek Day Use Area is complete with picnic areas and restrooms for convenience. For those looking for a little more adventure, there’s a rope swing to notch up the fun. This is one of the most beautiful swimming holes found in the state.
Gold Lake
This is the largest lake in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area and feeds Frazier Falls as it cascades down to the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The name comes from an old gold rush story by Thomas Robertson Stoddard, who claims he stumbled upon a lake lined with gold along the shores but was chased away by hostiles before collecting the gold. Today there are no hostiles, just welcoming recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, and hiking trails.
Loves Falls
Follow the Pacific Crest Trail from HWY 49 to view beautiful Loves Falls. Enjoy this easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail, popular for fishing and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
Inland Beaches & Swimming Holes
With temperatures in the 80s and sun expected every day during the summer, you can bet that swimming is one of the best activities Downieville has to offer, especially when it’s in the crystal clear and pure water running off the Sierra Nevada Mountains. And the best part? There are plenty of options safe for swimmers of all ages!
North Fork, Yuba River
The charming town of Downieville holds this true hidden gem: the North Fork of the Yuba River. This pristine waterway, renowned for its crystal-clear emerald waters, carves a picturesque path through the canyons, its banks dotted with delightful small beaches. These sandy havens offer an idyllic setting for tranquil escapes, where visitors can bask in the sun, enjoy refreshing dips, or simply relax amidst the serene natural beauty.
Bullards Bar
Bullards Bar is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts. Its vast, clear waters provide the perfect setting for boating, from leisurely cruises to exhilarating high-speed runs. Waterskiing and wakeboarding are incredibly popular, with ample space for carving across the glassy surface. Anglers flock to its shores for exceptional fishing, targeting a variety of species including kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and bass.
Salmon Lake
Salmon Lake, is a magnificent alpine sanctuary tucked away in the high reaches of California's Sierra Nevada. Majestic granite slopes cascade down to its shores, complemented by natural terraces and a dense embrace of conifer forests. This picturesque setting makes it an ideal location for hiking adventures, serene fishing trips, and rewarding birdwatching.
Sand Pond
Sand Pond, a popular day-use area in Tahoe National Forest, offers a refreshing escape with its inviting sandy bottom and warm waters – perfect for swimming and picnicking. This unique pond, formed from a depression left by mining tailings, is nestled near the majestic Sierra Buttes at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet.
Also, great news for visitors: a new boardwalk is coming soon to Sand Pond!
Lower Sardine Lake
Nestled in the picturesque Lakes Basin area of California's Tahoe National Forest, you'll find the stunning Sardine Lake, actually comprised of two distinct bodies of water: Lower Sardine Lake and Upper Sardine Lake. This captivating destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of recreational opportunities. Swimming is not allowed at Lower Sardine Lake in California. It is a designated fishing lake, and swimming is prohibited for that reason.
Finney's Hole
Just a short walk from downtown, you'll also discover Finney's Hole, a local favorite swimming spot along the North Yuba River Trail. While it’s more of a swimming hole and doesn’t have a sandy beach like other spots, it offers something even better for those in the know: a natural rock shelf that juts out like a stage above a deep, emerald-green pool. On warm days, it's a scene friends stretched out like sunbathing lizards, towels spread wide, snacks in hand, and feet dangling just above the water. The rocky ledge becomes a communal lounge half sun deck, half diving platform where stories are swapped, river songs echo, and time seems to slow to the rhythm of the river below.
Wild Plum Beach
While its name might suggest a sandy shore, it's not a beach in the traditional sense. Instead, you'll find a beautiful forested area offering well-equipped campsites, picnic tables, and campfire rings. It's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.
Willoughby's Swimming Hole
Deep within California's Gold Country, near the historic town of Downieville, lies Willoughby's swimming hole, often hailed as one of the most beautiful spots along the North Yuba River. This naturally-formed oasis offers an idyllic escape to cool off and relax in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, renowned for its sparkling, clear waters. While the house at Willoughby's is privately owned, the beach and swimming hole are accessible to the public.
Rocky Rest
Rocky Rest campground in Tahoe National Forest provides direct access to a fantastic swimming hole on the North Yuba River. Situated on a ridge high above the river, it's about ten miles northeast of Camptonville, right off Highway 49. You'll find it conveniently close to the North Yuba Trailhead, a scenic bridge, and a small, rocky beach that leads to a refreshing swimming spot.
Dine and Relax in Downieville
With so many activities, your days and nights will be jam-packed with exciting adventures, and eventually, you’ll need to take time to take care of yourself. Need to satisfy the hunger you’ve worked up from a day of biking? Visit La Cocina De Oro for delicious traditional American and Mexican dishes for lunch or dinner. Is it time to recharge after a long hike? We suggest treating yourself to some pampering at the Downieville Day Spa to refresh and rejuvenate
Cold Rush Café
Organic and fairtrade coffee shop complete with 12 gourmet seasonal ice cream flavors and quick service deli. Try their signature “Rushies” featuring dark roasted sweetened coffee and milk blended with ice and topped with homemade whipped cream. Cold Rush also has a loose leaf tea bar, a small market with grab-n-go snacks, and is a local hotspot year-round.
Two Rivers Café
Known to locals as “The Pizza Place,” they are good to Downieville locals and visitors alike. One of the few eateries to stay open 7 days a week all winter long! Riverfront dining, with an impressive craft beer selection, including hard kombucha. Fries are plentiful and hot. The service is friendly and fast.
Boomtown Backyard
Boomtown Backyard is one part riverfront beer garden, and one part community music venue. Open April through October, the Backyard features gourmet sausages, a variety of craft brews, and Sierra Valley wines.
Boomtown Lounge
Boomtown Lounge is an intimate Old-West speakeasy with an apothecary ambiance, a wine and beer bar with specialty cocktails tucked away in historic downtown Downieville. Local’s Tip: Get in early for a good seat in the hidden room off the side and ask to play the giant Jenga game!
St. Charles Place
Housed in the historic Craycroft building which dates to 1853, the St. Charles Place has been a Downieville landmark for decades. The town's only full-service bar, it is a historic watering hole that caters to locals and visitors alike.
La Cocina De Oro Taqueria
Right on Main Street in Downieville, you will find a little slice of Mexican fusion farm-to-table heaven! If you love local, organic produce, including Fog Dog Farms and You Bet Farms, you will love this place!
Empire Creek Provisions
Everyday essentials for mountain living! Smalltown gourmet market featuring local vendors and artisans, over 50 types of cheeses, dozens of crackers, spreads, local honey, nuts, oils, vinegars, deli meats, grab and go meals, cookies, cakes, crafts, clothing, and more.
Downieville Grocery
Your mini grocery store for quick and convenient shopping located in the heart of downtown Downieville. Carries a variety of snacks and a huge selection of bottled drinks and beers.
Sabrina’s at the Forks
Coffee shop and eatery tucked inside Downieville Outfitters. Not only can you rent stand-up paddle boards, e-Bikes, and mountain bikes alike, but you can also get a mean coffee and delicious pastries made with love locally by Autumns Butter Me Up Bakery.
Bread Money Bakery
Local homemade baked goods made with special ingredients. Open April through October in the Sierra Hardware parking lot.
Shopping, Spas & Attractions
With temperatures in the 80s and sun expected every day during the summer, you can bet that swimming is one of the best activities Downieville has to offer, especially when it’s in the crystal clear and pure water running off the Sierra Nevada Mountains. And the best part? There are plenty of options safe for swimmers of all ages!
Downieville Day Spa
Run by a charming and friendly staff, this spa offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. Whether you're looking for a massage, a facial, or any other spa service, you can trust that you're in good hands with the skilled and knowledgeable team at Downieville Day Spa.
Big Boulder Adventures
Attention all mountain bikers! If you're looking for a great way to experience the best trails in Downieville, look no further than Big Boulder Adventures, the newest shuttle service in town – located right inside Yuba Expeditions and next to Empire Creek Provisions.
Yuba Theater
The Yuba Theater is a special place for movies and events of all kinds. From the Banff Film Festival each spring to live plays, town-wide talent shows, community theater, musical performances, and more, this historic venue is always buzzing with activity. But even as it continues to evolve and grow with the times, the Yuba Theater has never lost its charm and character.
Yuba Gallery
Owned and operated by the Sierra Arts Council, the Yuba Gallery features works by many local and regional artists who are inspired by the stunning landscapes, forests, and rivers that surround Downieville. The art on display is as diverse and vibrant as the community itself, with everything from paintings, sculptures, and ceramics to jewelry, textiles, and mixed media.
Downieville Museum
Howdy partner! Have you checked out the historic Downieville Museum yet? It's a stone building with original iron doors and window shutters that date back to 1852, giving you a taste of the wild west. Step inside, and you'll find a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of the town's colorful past. From gold mining equipment to old photographs, vintage clothing, and even a few tall tales, there's something for everyone.
Howdy partner! Have you checked out the historic Downieville Museum yet? It's a stone building with original iron doors and window shutters that date back to 1852, giving you a taste of the wild west. Step inside, and you'll find a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of the town's colorful past. From gold mining equipment to old photographs, vintage clothing, and even a few tall tales, there's something for everyone.
Sierra Hardware
Sierra Hardware is a family-owned business that was founded in 1947 and located in the heart of Downieville, CA. They have been serving the local community and visitors for many years with their exceptional customer service and quality products. This is perhaps what customers enjoy most about the store.
Mountain Messenger
Have you heard of the Mountain Messenger? It's California's oldest weekly newspaper, and it's located right here in the heart of Downieville.
The Mountain Messenger has been serving the community of Downieville and surrounding areas since 1853, and it's a true treasure trove of local news, stories, and history. But recently, the paper was on the verge of shutting down, until local hero Carl Butz stepped in to save the day. He even made a documentary about it called "Carl Saves the Paper," which gives viewers a glimpse into the colorful town of Downieville and the important role the paper has played in the community over the years.
Downieville Outfitters
Downieville Outfitters is a leading outfitter in Downieville, California, providing top-notch services to outdoor enthusiasts. They offer a range of services including mountain bike rentals, shuttles, guided tours, and trail work.
They provide is a shuttle service that transports mountain bikers and hikers to the trailheads throughout the area. With their well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers, they ensure safe and convenient transportation to your destination, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
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