Downieville: Mountain Biking, Yuba River, and Gold Rush History

Downieville combines mountain bike races and routes with riverside scenery and Gold Rush history. Its outdoor offerings vary considerably: as well as two race formats, there are trails for mountain biking and hiking. There are also riverside spots and historic sites. You can plan your stay around cycling, riverside scenery, or local history.

Mountain Bike Races and Trails

The Downieville Classic includes a 26.5-mile cross-country race and a 15-mile downhill race. The Downieville Downhill starts high above Downieville, drops 5,000 feet, and ends in town. The festival also features a bike expo in the town center, the Big Air River Jump, and live music.

There are also trails for different kinds of outings outside the race format. The North Yuba Trail runs 16 miles from Downieville to Rocky Rest Campground and is suitable for mountain biking and hiking. The Second Divide Trail is a 9.0-mile out-and-back route with views of Pauley Creek and historic cabins once used by miners. The Downie River Trail can also be hiked as an out-and-back route from Downieville; it has technical water crossings. The North Yuba Trail leads to a stated destination, while Second Divide and Downie River are out-and-back routes.

The trail network around Downieville is remote, and there is no cell service on the trails. Keep this in mind when planning and choosing between the different routes.

Riverside Scenery and Swimming Spots

Along the North Fork of the Yuba River in Downieville, small beaches offer places to swim and relax. There are also many campgrounds along the Yuba River in the Downieville area. The river forms natural swimming pools bordered by boulders. The beaches in town and the swimming pools in the wider area are distinct parts of the riverside experience.

Gold Rush History on Foot

The Downieville Museum is housed in a former Chinese store. The stone building has original iron doors and shutters dating to 1852. The museum displays artifacts from the town’s Gold Rush era and from the diverse community of miners, merchants, and immigrants who shaped the North Yuba Canyon.

The self-guided Historic Walking Tour of Downieville & Sierra City includes buildings and historic sites from the 1850s. Another historic site, the Sierra County Sheriff's Gallows, is a short walk from the museum. The gallows were used only once, for the execution of James O'Neill on November 27, 1885. This was the last legal execution in Sierra County.

Art, Events, and Local Businesses

The Yuba Gallery displays works by local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and mixed-media works. The Yuba Theater is a venue for films and events of various kinds. Alongside the historic sites, the town offers visual art and a place for events.

Empire Creek Provisions is a gourmet market featuring local vendors and artisans. Its offerings include more than 50 varieties of cheese, local honey, deli meats, and takeaway food. The specific selection may vary.

For the broader travel overview: Sierra City.