8 Great Recreation Day Trips to Sierra Valley & Sierra County CA

Explore Sierra County with these great day trips

Sierra County Ca,- A trip to this Central Sierra region can often capture your imagination, as the central Sierra does not seem to have changed much from the days of the California gold rush, when gold seeking argonauts worked the rivers and mountains in search of their fortune.

Sierra County promotes its self as a place where the rivers still run free and the trees & meadows wrap the surrounding mountains in a way that defy contemporary development. Quite frankly this is exactly what I love about this region. As a kid my family would travel up the North Yuba River for weekends camping , fishing and of course panning for a little gold. As an adult I return for a little hiking, fishing, and recreational exploration that feeds my soul.
Sierra County and Sierra Valley in the Central Sierra does not take major planning to enjoy. There are so many recreational opportunities, sometimes it is best just to jump in the car and go. Today I want to provide you with 8 Day Trip Ideas that might make it worth your time to venture out and explore the Sierra County region all on your own.

Travel the Yuba & Hwy 49 – Yes a good old fashion car trip, stopping at old

The South Fork of the Yuba River Photo By www.inn-california.com
historic sites along the way like Downieville, Sierra City and Sierraville. The 49 is trapped in the mountains similar to description given by Sierra County. How to get there:
1. From RENO Take Interstate 80 West towards Truckee. At Truckee catch Hwy 89 heading North to Sierraville then Head West on HWY 49 through Downieville , sierra City and into Nevada City. then follow HWY 20 back to the 80 and back to Reno. Total Trip is 215 miles and just over 5 hours if you drive straight through… Not recommended, stop and play make it a great day.
2. From Truckee Take Hwy 89 North for about 30 miles till you hit the 49 at Sierraville. Turn West and enjoy the ride. You will exit the trip on HWY 20 in Nevada City and head North to Interstate 80 Home. Trip is 155 miles and just over 3 hours if your drive continually. Plan for a couple stops and make it a great road trip day.
3. From Sacramento or the West side of the Sierra – You are going to hit HWY 49 off HWY 20 in Nevada City. From there follow route back to Truckee in Sierraville down HWY 89 to the Interstate 80 and Back home. Total distance on trip is a little variable since there are so many possible starting points. But if you left Roseville Round trip is Approx 229 miles and just over 4 1/2 hours of travel.
Explore the Sierra Valley – Cycling the Sierra Valley is a popular recreation activity. A number of loops ranging from 20 -60 miles. Endless Meadows and wetland areas teaming with wildlife. TOUR DE MANURE… is an annual bike tour, held in Sierraville, CA (25 miles north of Truckee on CA Hwys 49 & 89). Participants can choose between 3 dierent courses, each oering stunning views of local wildlife, spring meadows, ranching communities and the natural beauty of one of the Sierra Nevada’s largest Alpine Valleys. Proceeds go towards training and equipment for the volunteer firehouse in Sierraville.
Pan For Gold Along the Yuba – recreational “Hands and Pans“ are the only tools you may use on the South Yuba River. No digging with shovels or other hand tools. You can only pan in stream-run gravel — never from dry areas. Unfortunately California has pretty much shut down the prospecting for gold

Panning for Gold – Photo by calphotos.berkeley.edu
industry. But it doesn’t make it any less fun to sit by a bank and learn to look for gold in the same rivers that prospectors during the Motherlode era did. The South Yuba River still allows Panning on the stream side.
Hike The Sierra Butte area – A popular hike is the

Looking E from Sierra Buttes
Hike to Sierra Buttes Lookout. it does have over a 2,000 ft elevation gain so is considered a moderate hike. The Trailhead is about 1/2 mile after the end of paved road. Beyond trailhead is OHV-only. Trail is mostly uphill but not too steep with plenty of flat ground. As you approach the first ridge, you’ll see wildflowers & butterflies galore. Around the bend are the Tamarack Lakes, reflecting the sky, clouds, & trees. A little ways farther is Young America lake, which is just as reflective. Finally, you’ll meet up with the 4WD trail that has 4 or 5 switchbacks, and finally reach the bottom of the lookout tower. If you’re afraid of heights, you might not want to climb, but if not, be prepared for the views! Approximately 200 steps later, you’ll be atop the lookout tower, with 360-degree views of the entire Sacramento Valley. On clear days you can see as far as Lassen! You also have a wonderful view of Upper & Lower Sardine Lake.

Trailhead: Highway 80 to Truckee. Exit Highway 89 north to Sierraville. Highway 49 west 10 miles to Bassetts. North on the Gold Lake Highway and 1.5 miles to Sardine Lake/Packer Lake Road. Turn left, cross small bridge, and bear right on Packer Lake Road. Pass Packer Lake and bear left at fork. Follow signs to Pacific Crest Trail trailhead. Continue to small parking area.
Fish or Picnic at Stampede Reservoir – According to California’s Great lakes Stampede Reservoir is where anglers head when they have their minds set on kokanee salmon. Fishing is also great for brown, rainbow, and mackinaw trout. Surprising to some, there is a popular of smallmouth bass in the lake too. Stampede Reservoir is a beautiful high Sierra lake, popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The reservoir is situated at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet, east of Donner Summit and 15 miles northeast of Truckee. (Side note in 2015 the Reservoir is really low because of drought)
Bike the North Yuba Trail – This review brought to you by Yuba Expeditions –North Yuba Trail:

Great shot of the Yuba Trail brought to you by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Not all mountain biking in Downieville is shuttle accessed. In fact, some of the best trails require you to earn your turns. North Yuba is a prime example. 16 miles in length, this trail offers a great cross-section of the rugged beauty of the North Yuba river canyon. Twisting and turning through lush forest, flowing streams, rocky outcroppings and ribbons of manicured dirt, its makes for an excellent cross-country adventure. Or ride it in sections to get a quick single-track fix. The newest 6-mile section was built by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Officially completed in 2011, it connects the existing historic mining trail all the way into the town of Downieville. North Yuba Trail rides great in both directions so it makes for a fun, challenging out and back. Though the trail generally follows the river, expect numerous short, gut-buster climbs and fast, ripping descents. Starting either at the North Yuba trailhead in Downieville or Rocky Rest Campground, simply ride: out and back! Combine with Halls Ranch and Fiddle Creek for a 32 mile epic loop.
Hike the PCT – PCT Hiking has become very popular the last few years as the movie Wild has been promoting it so well. Here is another great Sierra Location to try out on a day hike on the PCT. The PCT crosses Hwy 49 just east of Sierra City.

The PCT as it Runs by Sierra City
There are multiple day hike type loops you can enjoy including a hike to Love Falls which is a very popular easy hike because of its easy access from HWY 49. The Sierra Geo Tourism site has a great summary of hikes in this area.
Visit Jackson Meadows – Jackson Meadows Reservoir has an abundance of recreation opportunities. Boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing are all

Jackson Meadow Reservoir
popular in the mountain lake. Nearby are trails and roads, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers find miles of adventure around the lake.