Sierra County is home to traces of the Gold Rush alongside a long agricultural history and diverse landscapes. The last legal execution in the county took place at the Sierra County Sheriff's Gallows; the gallows was used only once. The ranches in Sierra Valley offer another glimpse into the region’s past: settled in the 1850s, they supplied dairy products, hay, and cattle to Truckee, the mines in western Sierra County, and the Comstock mines in the 1860s.
Local History and Historic Buildings
The Downieville Museum collection showcases the life of the local community from its Gold Rush origins to the present day. The museum is housed in a stone building with original iron doors and shutters dating from 1852. The collection’s history and the building’s history come together here, without being limited to a single era.
Numerous turn-of-the-century buildings and wooden boardwalks define Main Street in Sierra City. The Sierra City School, built in 1883, adds a chapter of educational history to this scene: a nomination draft for the National Register of Historic Places considers it eligible for listing under Criterion A for its local significance in education.
Lakes, Forests, and Wildlife Viewing
The Lakes Basin Recreation Area is home to numerous glacial lakes, including Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes, Packer Lake, and Gold Lake. At Gold Lake, a boat launch with a large parking area for boat trailers is located right on Gold Lake Road; the lake is also suitable for sailing. Conditions at the boat launch may vary by season.
The elevation helps give Sierra County one of California’s longest wildflower-viewing seasons. The Tahoe National Forest, which covers a large part of the county, offers campgrounds, picnic areas, and historic sites for visitors. Near Downieville, the Empire Creek Trail winds through extensive old-growth forests. Species found there include pileated woodpeckers, northern goshawks, martens, and California spotted owls.
Trails for Different Interests
The trails and routes cater to a variety of interests. The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is wheelchair-accessible and offers information about the flora and fauna of a riparian habitat. The Wild Plum Loop Trail starts near the Wild Plum Campground and follows Haypress Creek through riparian forests that offer good birdwatching opportunities.
The Lafayette Ridge OHV Trail explores a different landscape, passing through dense chaparral to a panoramic view of the Middle Yuba River. Historic Henness Pass Road offers opportunities for four-wheel driving, cycling, and hiking. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses Highway 49 northeast of Sierra City and then climbs in switchbacks along the southwest side of the Buttes above town.
The Downieville Downhill is a 14-mile descent with 4,000 feet of elevation loss. It starts at Packer Saddle, where the Sunrise Trail joins the Butcher Ranch Trail. For a shorter trip to a waterfall, easy walking paths lead to Loves Falls from Highway 49.
Snowmelt and Winter Trails
During the spring snowmelt, the river offers Class IV and V whitewater rafting. River conditions vary, so plan this activity according to the season and check current conditions. In winter, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area offers miles of groomed roads and trails for cross-country skiing. Yuba Pass Snow Park is 13 miles northeast of Sierra City on Highway 49. Trails lead from there to Little Truckee Summit, Jackson Meadows Reservoir to the southeast, and the Bassetts staging area to the northwest; snow conditions and permits may vary.
When it snows, the main roads into Sierra County are regularly maintained and cleared, while conditions on individual roads remain subject to seasonal changes. Visitor information kiosks are located in Downieville, Sierra City, Loyalton, and Sierraville; check their locations before traveling. Sierra Hot Springs is located in Sierraville at 521 Campbell Hot Springs Road, Sierraville, California 96126.
Discover more destinations: Sierra City, Yolo, San Diego, Kings County, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Marin, Del Norte
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