Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is located in the northern part of California's Mother Lode country. Gold was discovered here in 1851 and hydraulic mining began in 1853. As the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company grew, so did the town of North Bloomfield. By 1884, when the Sawyer Decision made large scale hydraulic mining difficult, people began to move away and the town slowly died.

Malakoff Diggins had become the largest and richest hydraulic gold mine in the world. Millions of dollars worth of gold had been recovered and 41 million cubic yards of earth had been excavated, leaving an open pit well over a mile in length and as much as 600 feet deep.

The park is comprised of 3,000 acres. The elevation varies from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level. The forest is populated by douglas fir, ponderosa pine, incense cedar, madrone and manzanita. On the roads or trails you might find yourself traveling with a gray fox, black-tailed deer, bobcat, mountain lion, black bear or jackrabbit. Within the parks boundaries are lakes and streams, tunnels, colorful rocky cliffs, grassy meadows and many points of interest.

History is waiting to be discovered whether on the Diggins Loop Trail, participating in one of our free weekend town tours or visiting our museum which houses many artifacts from the era.

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park has over 18 miles of hiking trails rated from easy to moderate, with some trails allowing cyclists and leashed dogs. To obtain a map of these beautiful trails, please visit our Museum. During the camping season we have 30 campsites and one group site (which accommodates 60 people). Trout lovers will enjoy dropping a line at Blair Lake, as the kids enjoy a cool dip, free gold panning or hiking the Humbug Creek Trail.

Park open year-round, museum and town tours are available weekends only until Memorial Day and daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Fees: $ 8.00 per vehicle day use fee / Campsites - $35 per site (see website for more details)

Most town buildings and main town restroom are ADA accessible. The short 100 yard trail to Blair Lake from the parking area is also wheelchair accessible. If traveling up Highway 49, just south of the South Yuba River you will also find the Independence Trail which is one of the country's first ADA accessible trails!

Dogs are allowed only on leash in designated areas. Visitors should check at the park for specific rules and regulations.