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Downieville is located on Highway 49 at the fork of the North Yuba and Downie rivers in the heart of Sierra County. This historically rich corner of California has earned the nickname “Lost Sierra” for being a hidden gem in one of the least visited regions in the Sierra Nevada.
After gold was discovered here in 1849, Downieville quickly expanded to become California’s fifth-largest town, losing the bid to be the State Capitol to Sacramento which is only several hours away. Today, this town retains much of its former character and appeal. Renting a travel trailer in Downieville provides you the opportunity to explore old mining towns and stunning natural attractions that remain mostly unchanged.
Sierra County is surrounded by rugged forest ridgelines, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls that are vibrant in every season. The mountain elevation provides one of California’s longest seasons for wildflower viewing and the area is abundant with all kinds of wildlife. Whether you prefer an easy jaunt or a rigorous climb, the Sierra Valley terrain has numerous trails with panoramic views shared by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. When you choose a camper rental near Downieville, consider visiting the nearby Pacific Crest or Empire Creek Trails.
This region is a mecca for beginner and extreme cyclists. The nationally recognized trail system offers some of the best downhill and cross-country trails in the world, including the scenic North Yuba Trail with Halls Ranch, Fiddle Creek Ridge and the Downie River Trail. The town hosts the annual Downieville Classic, a renowned mountain bike festival featuring an exhilarating 29 mile cross-country race following a Gold Rush-era route, 15 mile downhill race, and river-jump stunt competition.
The North Yuba provides many excellent swimming holes along Hwy 49, with riverbanks right off the road in many cases. Where the Downie and North Yuba rivers meet in Downieville you are able to wade out from a sandy beach for a swim, or locate nearby places to launch kayaks and whitewater rafts. For more alpine water fun, Sand Pond, Salmon, Gold, and Packer Lakes in Lakes Basin are popular for swimming, boating, and fishing.
For you winter sports fans, the surrounding valleys and hills are great for skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Bassetts Station at the intersection of Hwy 49 is a good launching pad for setting out into the snow, with Gold Lake Road being the main access route to wilderness trails.
This area has various amenities to choose from when you’re ready to relax for the night with your Downieville motorhome rental. The area caters to out-of-town visitors.
Sierra Skies RV Park, located on the Yuba River in Sierra City offers full-service hookups for your RV, showers, and laundry facilities. The site provides views of the Sierra Buttes and private access to the Yuba River among other nature bound activities.
Consider Salmon Creek Campground in Tahoe National Forest, for a more rustic camping experience with only basic amenities. Take your dinner outside to the picnic tables and build a fire in the campfire ring as you enjoy those starry nights. This shaded creekside campground offers easy access to historic towns and nearby scenic attractions like Lakes Basin and over 30 miles of trails are only a short drive away.
This wild mountain area and connecting highways are easily accessible and regularly maintained year round, making it easy to travel to and park at any recreation site.
Should you need a quick overnight stay, consider Walmart, larger grocery stores, or truck stops. There are several Walmarts located within 40 miles of town and camping may be allowed. Just check with the manager for permission before you settle in for the evening.
Downieville’s charming Main Street is full of old fashioned character and architecture. When you rent a luxury motorhome in Downieville, be advised there are limited shopping and dining options, but that’s the fun part of experiencing a historic setting that is considered the least changed of all of California’s gold rush towns.
Almost everywhere you turn in Sierra County you’ll discover past and present recreational gold prospecting and mining. Gold panning is open to the public in town at designated areas, or stake your claim with a lesson and guided tour in Sierra City.
The Downieville Museum building dates back to 1852 and is a great place to browse collections featuring logging and mining exhibits. Visitors may also take a self-guided walking tour to learn about the town’s historic buildings and sites, including mining cabins and Downieville’s gold-rush era Gallows.
If it's the perfect mountain getaway for relaxing and exploring in California that you are seeking, consider a travel trailer rental in Downieville. Enjoy a beautiful, recreational environment, search for historic treasures, watch a sunset, and take in the spectacular landscape. Rent an RV in Downieville, CA, and set out to explore The Golden State!
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