2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 93

R E C R E A T I O N
THE YUBA RUNS THROUGH IT!
By Mark Winkler
Yuba River
Swimming in the Yuba River on a hot sum-
mer’s day is a signature move for anyone
out to truly appreciate Nevada County. The
Yuba is a treasure, with clean, free-flowing
water and massive granite “sunning” boul-
ders which shape the pools and swimming
holes along its course. This river stays beauti-
ful and healthy not by chance, but rather by
the hard work and ongoing commitment of
people who love it: (yubariver.org). Here are
a few Yuba ideas:
PURDON CROSSING: This stretch of the river
has the easiest trail. Either upstream or
downstream, the area is wide and mostly
flat, offers a mix of slow and swift river,
crystaline pools, beautifully sculpted granite
and inviting beaches. It makes a good
introduction to the Yuba, especially if you
have children.
FORTY-NINER BRIDGE: Don’t let the sight of
all the people frolicking under the bridge
fool you, it’s a pretty tough climb down at
this spot for anyone with clambering limita-
tions. But it is a dandy swim and it’s tantaliz-
ingly close on a hot day. You are likely to
need to be in a social mood most days at
this spot.
HOYT’S CROSSING: Hoyt’s is a thirty-minute
walk upstream from Forty-Niner, with plenty
of other good holes along the way,
although they often have tough climbs. This
area is a hotbed of summer activity for teens
and young adults in the summertime and
the rocks and swims are gorgeous.
BRIDGEPORT: This is the home of South
Yuba State Park and our very famous cov-
ered bridge. Not only does it feature the
shortest walk from the parking area to the
first swim spots, the adventurous can head
up or down stream to explore. Upstream
in particular is a trail that features docent-
guided wildflower walks in the spring and
the opportunity to stretch your legs until
you find “your” spot.
A TRIP TO WASHINGTON: I cannot tell a lie -
the road to the tiny town of Washington is a
bit winding. But once you’re there, you’ll be
glad you made it! Head east out of town on
Maybert Road for a scenic trip along the
South Yuba River, the confluence with pris-
tine Canyon Creek and the excellent swim-
ming around every bend.
SCOTTS FLAT LAKE: Located at an elevation
just over 3,000 feet, Scotts Flat Lake outside
Nevada City is a beautiful spot, surrounded
by pines and eagerly awaiting your family’s
version of synchronized swimming. It has a
surface area of eight hundred and fifty acres
and is full service for boating, camping,
fishing and more.
EDWARDS CROSSING: This area has a nar-
row and uneven trail but it also offers some
of the best and most private swimming the
Yuba has to offer. There is a spot where a
seasonal creek makes a waterfall next to the
river and Edwards Crossing is famous for its
spring and summer ladybug explosion!
Gorgeous Waters of the South Yuba
A Note of Caution: Part of the beauty of
wild, natural places along the Yuba is that
they are WILD (i.e. dangerous), so be
cautious! You may also encounter “clothing
optional” swimming in some areas.
Great Lakes Too
For all the family fun that lake swimming
and boating have to offer, we have a couple
of suggestions for you to try:
ROLLINS LAKE: Located in Chicago Park,
outside Grass Valley, Rollins features camp-
ing and fishing and a lake with a surface
area of nine hundred acres for your swim-
ming stylings, plus twenty-six miles of shore-
line for you to rest on the beach afterward.
There’s are also three full-service marinas if
you enjoy a good boat.
Boys of
Summer
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