2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 63

SIERRA COUNTY
Lakes Basin
Recreation Area
& Sierra Buttes
Bassett’s
Station Calpine
T H I N G S
Vinton
T O
D O
Loyalton
Downieville
Sierra City
Sattley
YUBA DONNER
SCENIC BYWAY
Sierraville
Indian Valley
Riv
North Yuba e r
Forest City
89
The Byway is a 160 mile scenic
and historic loop mainly through
Sierra and Nevada Counties.
Although the route uses all-
weather highways that are open
all year, closures due to snow are
possible. Driving times: Entire
Route–3 hr. 15 min. Nevada City
to Downieville 1 hr. Downieville
to Sierraville 45 min. Sierraville to
Truckee 30 min. Truckee to
Nevada City 1 hr.
Alleghany
Camptonville
Middle
N. San Juan
Yuba
Rive r
89
To
Reno
er
Sou th Yuba Riv
Truckee
Donner Lake
Soda Springs
89
Nevada City
Grass Valley
To Lake Tahoe
ANDREW
To Sacramento and Auburn
Outdoor Activities
MOUNTAIN/ROAD BICYCLING: Check out the
well maintained trails around Downieville. Or,
pedal through the Sierra Valley.
ENJOY THE WATER: Fly fish or pan for gold on
the North Fork of the Yuba River. See Sierra
Valley by kayak.
LAKES BASIN RECREATION AREA: At Bassetts
Station take scenic Gold Lake Road to the
end near Graeagle. The area has the 8,587
foot Sierra Buttes, 45 mountain lakes and
rustic resorts. In the winter, the road is
popular with cross country skiers and
snowmobilers.
Sierra Valley
Tahoe National Forest
Because much of Sierra County is located within the Tahoe National Forest, there are
many opportunities for outdoor activity. Along Hwy. 49 from the Middle Fork of the Yuba
River to the Yuba Pass are the areas of Indian Valley, Downieville, Sierra City, Sierra Buttes
and Gold Lake Road where campgrounds, trails, lakes and rivers are found. For some
history, pick up “49 Miles Along Highway 49.”
This brochure, as well as information, on where to access the Pacific Crest Trail and
maps can be found weekdays at the Yuba River Ranger District office on Hwy. 49 and
Marysville Rd. near Camptonville, [phone]. The eastern part of the county is served
by the Sierraville Ranger District, 317 S. Lincoln St. (Hwy. 89), [phone]. The office
has information on nearby campgrounds, trails and fishing.
YUBA PASS: Stop at the Sierra Valley Overlook
on Hwy. 49 for a wonderful panoramic view
of the valley and surrounding Sierra Nevada.
There is also a snow park at the pass.
BIRD VIEWING: Although good throughout
the county, a special place for bird viewing is
the Sierra Valley. This is a well known area due
to its extensive wetlands and location on a
major flyway. eastsierravalleychamber.com
SIERRA HOT SPRINGS: Located near Sierraville,
this is one of the few public/private hot
springs in the Sierra. sierrahotsprings.org
Information
Tahoe National Forest, fs.usda.gov/tahoe/
sierracountygold.com
sierracountychamber.com
N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D . c o m
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