Sierra County is one of California’s best-kept secrets – a place where rugged mountain summits, scenic byways, and pristine streams come together to create an unforgettable weekend escape.

Whether you're seeking high-altitude hikes, small-town charm, or waterside relaxation, we've mapped out three perfect days that capture the spirit of our region from summit to stream.

DAY ONE: Summit Adventures & Scenic Vistas

Start: Sierra Buttes Lookout Hike

Begin your weekend with an early morning hike up the iconic Sierra Buttes. The 5-mile roundtrip trail offers panoramic views and a one-of-a-kind fire lookout at the summit – not for the faint of heart, but worth every step.

Lunch: Bassett's Station - 100 Gold Lake Hwy, Sierra City, CA 96125

Refuel with a hearty lunch at Basset's Station, where rustic charm meets good eats and friendly locals.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive on the Gold Lake Highway

Winding past alpine lakes and towering pines, this drive is a must-do. Stop at Sand Pond or Salmon Lake for a quick paddle or picnic.

Evening: Check into a Cozy Cabin or B&B

Choose from historic inns in Downieville or lakeside cabins near Sardine Lake for a peaceful night’s rest.

DAY TWO: Culture, History & Local Flavor

Morning: Explore Historic Downieville

Once a Gold Rush boomtown, Downieville is now a quaint riverside village with galleries, general stores, and plenty of old west character. Don’t miss the Downieville Museum for a walk through local history. Learn more about Downieville here. 

Lunch: Two Rivers Café - 116 Main St, Downieville, CA 95936

Grab a burger or fresh salad with views of the confluence of the Downie and North Yuba rivers.

Afternoon: Mountain Biking or Fly Fishing

Downieville is world-renowned for mountain biking – take on the legendary Downieville Downhill if you're experienced. Prefer something slower-paced? Hire a guide and try your hand at fly fishing in the North Yuba River.

Evening: Dinner & Drinks in Sierra City

Enjoy dinner at the Sierra Pines, where locals gather and enjoy the best dishes. Don’t forget to step outside and look up – the stars in Sierra County will take your breath away.

DAY THREE: Streamside Relaxation & Local Finds

Morning: Coffee & Stroll in Sierraville

Kick off your final day with a warm cup from Smithneck Farms Cafe in Sierraville. Take a slow stroll through the charming town and explore artisan shops.

Late Morning: Sierraville Hot Springs

Soothe tired muscles at this natural hot springs resort tucked into a peaceful valley. Whether you choose the public pool or a private tub, the relaxation is real.

Lunch: Pack a Picnic by the Little Truckee River

Pick up supplies from a local market and enjoy a riverside picnic with your toes in the water and the sound of rushing streams all around you.

Afternoon: Farmstand Finds & Farewell

On your way out, stop by a local farmstand or artisan market to pick up Sierra County honey, handmade soaps, or fresh produce to take a piece of your trip home with

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Sierra County offers something rare: adventure without the crowds, beauty without the pretense, and a weekend escape that feels worlds away – yet still within reach. Whether you're coming from Reno, Sacramento, or beyond, make Sierra County your next weekend destination.

Ready to plan your perfect Sierra County weekend? Visit the Visitors Guide for maps, lodging info, and local recommendations.

In the heart of the Sierra Nevada, nestled at the confluence of the North Yuba and Downie Rivers, sits a town with deep roots and an even deeper sense of adventure – Downieville, California. Known by many as a mountain biking haven and outdoor recreation hotspot, Downieville is also proudly considered California’s Original Trail Town.

A Legacy Forged on the Trail

Long before bikes flew down rugged singletrack and hikers passed through on long-distance routes, Downieville was a bustling Gold Rush town. Founded in 1849 and named after prospector William Downie, the town was once a hub for fortune-seekers following the trails of gold through the Sierra. Trails weren’t just recreation here – they were lifelines, guiding prospectors, tradesmen, and families into the mountains in search of opportunity.

Today, those same trails still lead people to Downieville – only now, they’re carrying mountain bikers and adventurers of all kinds into a place where past and present coexist beautifully.

A Modern Trail Mecca

Downieville has become legendary for its trails – most notably the Downieville Downhill, one of the most iconic and challenging mountain bike descents in the country. But the town's trail culture goes beyond biking. With easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming, and backcountry camping, it’s a basecamp for those looking to experience the wild beauty of the Sierra Buttes and beyond.

Downieville has become legendary for its trails – most notably the Downieville Downhill, one of the most iconic and challenging mountain bike descents in the country. But the town's trail culture goes beyond biking. With easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming, and backcountry camping, it’s a basecamp for those looking to experience the wild beauty of the Sierra Buttes and beyond.

We welcome everyone from thru-hikers and gravel riders to vanlifers and weekend wanderers. Whether you’re tackling 15 miles of technical terrain or just looking for a quiet stroll by the river, Downieville delivers.

Where Community Meets Adventure

What sets Downieville apart isn’t just the trails – it’s the town itself. It’s the locals who’ll wave you down and point you to their favorite swimming hole. It’s the family-owned shops, cozy lodges, and café conversations with fellow adventurers. It’s knowing that your trail story becomes part of the larger story of Downieville – a town that’s always been shaped by the people passing through and the trails they follow.

From the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship projects to beloved community events like the Downieville Classic, our town is built on partnerships between nature, recreation, and people who care deeply about both.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Downieville is worth the visit! You can explore local lodging, eateries, and outfitters – or even support our small businesses and stewardship efforts.

Whether you're here to hit the trails, soak in the history, or just slow down and reconnect with nature, Downieville welcomes you.

https://sierracountychamber.com/Plan-Visit

When most people think of Sierra County, they picture majestic mountains, winding rivers, and breathtaking trails — and they’re not wrong. But beyond the natural beauty lies something just as vibrant: a thriving arts and culture scene that brings together residents and visitors through music, theatre, handmade art, and unforgettable festivals.

Whether you're a seasoned creative or simply someone who appreciates a good show and a welcoming community, Sierra County offers a rich tapestry of artistic experiences all year long.

Local Arts

Sierra County is home to a passionate community of artists, craftspeople, and makers. From quiltmakers and painters to woodworkers and jewelers, local creatives find inspiration in the Sierra landscape – and their work reflects the beauty, history, and independent spirit of this region.

• Local galleries and pop-up art shows throughout the year highlight regional talent and give visitors the chance to meet the artists behind the work.
• Public art and murals can be found in historic towns like Downieville, Sierra City, and Loyalton – adding charm and color to every corner.

Live Theatre & Film Festival Fun

You might not expect to find live theatre in a county of just over 3,000 people – but Sierra County is full of surprises.

• The Sierra Turnpike Players, who are part of the Yuba Theatre, put on lively community productions ranging from classic plays to locally written performances.
• Outdoor performances during the warmer months bring drama, music, and comedy to riverbanks and town parks — a unique way to experience the arts under the stars.
• Each year, the Yuba Theatre also hosts the Banff Mountain Film Festival - where locals and visitors alike can watch the highest quality films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which is held each fall in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

These productions bring together performers, set designers, musicians, and volunteers from all over the county and beyond. It’s grassroots theatre at its finest – and it’s often free or donation-based, making it accessible to everyone.

Community Festivals

Sierra County knows how to celebrate. Our festivals are more than events – they’re traditions that honor our culture, community, and creativity.

• Downieville Classic (July): While best known as a world-class mountain biking event, this weekend also includes live music, local vendors, and art booths lining the streets of historic Downieville.
• Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail (September): A self-guided tour that celebrates working farms, local artists, and the unique heritage of the Sierra Valley. You’ll meet makers, sample farm-fresh goods, and enjoy a stunning rural backdrop.
• Loyalton’s Christmas Tree Lighting & Craft Fair (December): A festive event that brings together holiday shopping, music, and a warm sense of small-town cheer.
• Music at the Mine (Summer): Set at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheater in Sierra City, this summer concert series offers an unforgettable outdoor music experience beneath the stars.
• Downieville Brewfest - Each September, head to Main Street in Downieville for craft brews, live music, delicious food, and good vibes all around. Good beer. Great people. Epic mountain town. What's not to love?!
• Christmas on Main - Each December, the city of Downieville, CA hosts their annual holiday on Main celebration. Visitors can enjoy free rides with Santa Claus in a historic fire engine, free stockings for the little ones, great Christmas music as you shop with vendors, enjoy good food, and the enchanting ambiance of downtown Downieville fully decorated with Christmas lights.

PLAN YOUR ARTS GETAWAY

Sierra County is more than just a beautiful place to explore – it's a place where creativity is celebrated, stories are shared, and community is at the heart of everything. Whether you’re coming for a weekend festival or just passing through, you’ll find inspiration in every gallery, performance, and gathering.

Looking for upcoming arts and culture events? Visit our events.

Sierra County may be small in size, but it’s big on history. Nestled in the rugged beauty of Northern California, this region was a bustling hub during the height of the California Gold Rush - and much of that spirit still lingers today. Whether you're a history buff, an adventurer, or just looking to slow down and reconnect with the stories of the past, Sierra County offers a wealth of must-see historic sites that bring the 1850s to life.

Here’s our list of must-see historic sites in Sierra County:

Kentucky Mine & Museum (Sierra City)

Step back in time with a visit to the Kentucky Mine Museum. Not only can you explore artifacts and exhibits from Sierra County’s mining heyday, but you can also take a guided tour of the only operable stamp mill in California. Hear the thunderous roar of the stamps and imagine what life was like for those early miners chasing their fortune.

Click here to learn more. 

Downieville Museum (Downieville)

Housed in a beautifully preserved 1852 stone building, the Downieville Museum showcases relics, photos, and displays that chronicle the region’s colorful history. Plan your visit to learn more about Downieville’s roots as a once-booming gold town and its transition into a charming mountain escape.

Click here to learn more.

Loyalton’s Milton Gottardi Museum

Tucked away in the heart of Loyalton, the Loyalton Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Sierra County’s rich past. Housed in a former church built in the early 1900s, the museum is filled with artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the region’s logging, ranching, and pioneer history. From antique tools to vintage schoolroom displays, every corner reveals a piece of the county’s heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with the roots of this rugged and storied Sierra Nevada community.

Click here to learn more.

Historical Walking Tours

Several towns in Sierra County—including Downieville and Sierra City—offer self-guided walking tours that take visitors past old saloons, jails, general stores, and Victorian homes. Grab a map from the local visitor center and take a leisurely stroll through time. You’ll find interpretive plaques, restored buildings, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

https://sierracounty.visitwidget.com/?iframe_id=1153

Historical Living Town Adventures

Discover the haunting beauty of once-thriving towns like Forest City, Poker Flat, and Howland Flat. These once-bustling settlements whisper tales of boom and bust, and while they may be a little off the beaten path, the scenic drives and stories make the journey well worth it. Just be sure to bring a camera and a sense of adventure.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Our Gold Rush history is more than just old buildings and artifacts, it’s the story of perseverance, discovery, and community. By celebrating and preserving these places, we honor those who came before us and ensure future generations can experience the magic of Sierra County's past.

Many of these sites are open seasonally or by appointment, so check local listings and visitor center information before you go. And don't forget to stop by a local café or shop along the way - you'll find plenty of Sierra County charm wherever you wander.

https://sierracountychamber.com/Plan-Visit

History is alive in Sierra County. Come walk in the footsteps of the pioneers, dreamers, and fortune seekers who helped shape the Golden State.

The Sierra City Post Office will mark its 150th birthday on June 23, 2014. A whole weekend of celebrations is in place!

Saturday, June 21st Events »

Sunday, June 22nd Events »

Download Flyer »

Download the new visitors guide »

The Lure Resort, located a mile east of Downieville, on highway 49 towards Sierra City, is a gem for anyone who wants to come visit Sierra County. It's located right on the river with great cabins and log camping tents. It's actually the first place I stayed at, when I came  to Sierra County the first time.

Not only is is a great place to stay, but, they have a fabulous monthly newsletter. It's a treat when it shows up, even for me who live here, as it's always full of goodies-- from great photos, to great information to coupons for local businesses, or savings on a stay at the Lure. If you want to keep an eye on what is going on up here (like, the opener of the trout season is this upcoming Saturday, April 26!), I recommend you subscribe to it. I know I enjoy the arrival in my inbox.

As winter fades the busy days of summer will soon be upon us.  Please plan to join your friends and fellow business owners on Thursday, March 13th, for a fun and informative chamber meeting.    

Time: 6:00 o'clock at Downieville's Masonic Hall.

Bring your favorite pot luck. Non alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc.(AFWD) would like to inform you of the dates of its upcoming 2014 Job Fairs. The Job Fairs are a great place to meet and prescreen qualified job seekers for your hiring needs.
 
Quincy Job Fair- March 26th at Feather River College 2pm-4pm
Graeagle Job Fair- March 27th at Greaegle Fire Department 2pm-4pm
 
Click here for information on how to participate.
 
If you have any questions, or wish to register, please contact Joelle Breazier.

Joelle Breazier
Business Service Represenitive
Business and Career Network
Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc.
(530) 283-1606 ex. 205
(530) 283-1199 fax
jbreazier@ncen.org

Plans for Sierra City’s 150th birthday celebration are taking shape. Save the weekend of June 21-22 for a trip back in time. The highlight will be the melodrama Never Trust a Sierra City Slicker at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheatre. There will also be walking tours, living history activities, a historic photo exhibit, and a picnic in the park. You will have the opportunity to pose for a vintage portrait, to be part of a photograph of all the current residents, and even to be thrown into the hoosegow.

The next planning meeting will be Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00 pm at the Sierra City Community Hall.