Sierra Shangri-La is a small resort featuring housekeeping cottages and bed-and-breakfast rooms dramatically perched right on the bank of the North Yuba River. We are located in the heart of the northern Sierra Nevada, surrounded by scenic beauty, gold rush history, and unlimited outdoor recreation.

Along with the beautiful surroundings, Sierra Shangri-La and the local area are filled with historical significance. If you visit our office, check out the framed front cover of Sunset Magazine, circa 1942, showing the original lodge in all its glory. Of course, local history goes back much further, centering on the gold rush days of the mid 1800's. Gold was discovered on Jim Crow creek, right here at Shangri-La, in the summer of 1849. By May, 1850, Downieville had 15 hotels and gambling houses, four bakeries and four butcher shops. As the population grew, the town served as a trading center for the Northern Mines. By the mid-1850's, Downieville was California's fifth largest town.

Sierra Shangri-La offers a variety of accommodations to fit your needs. Our newly remodeled housekeeping cottages feature fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, large covered decks and dramatic river views. Our bed-and-breakfast rooms are graciously appointed rooms on the second floor of the Lodge. They feature queen beds, private baths, and a large common balcony overlooking the river. A deluxe continental breakfast is included.

With our new broadband service, we now offer WIFI connection.

Seasons Open: April 1 - Oct. 31

Hiking: Our nearby trails are a hiker's paradise! From easy family strolls to high country challenges, hiking around Shangri-La offers something for everyone!

Fishing: Fly and bait fishing are at their best in the North Yuba River. This beautiful river, typical of many area streams, is heavily stocked and expert anglers seldom fail to get their limits.

Gold Panning: Panning for gold in the Yuba and tributaries is a popular and frequently profitable outdoor activity. Over $300,000,000 in gold has been taken from the ground in Sierra County. Yet, this area is considered one of the best undeveloped mineral regions in the West.

Whitewater Rafting: The Yuba River sparkles and romps through a beautiful forested canyon right past Shangri-La. The river is ideal for active first timers and also has sections for experienced rafters. Several outfitters offer guided trips for all experience levels.

Mountain Biking: The area around Shangri-La hosts California's most extensive single track and dirt trail system. With hundreds of miles of dirt roads and multi-use trails, the area offers outstanding opportunities for riders of all abilities. Inspiring vistas, old growth forests, high elevation lakes, crystal clear rivers and singletrack descents of more than 4,500 vertical feet make mountain biking in the area an unforgettable experience.

Relaxing: Despite our access to unlimited recreational opportunities, the most popular activity at Shangri-La is probably relaxing on your deck overlooking the beautiful river with a good book and a glass of wine!

Rate Range: $85.00-$250.00

Sierra Shangri-La Resort is located 2.5 miles north of the historic gold rush town of Downieville on California State Highway 49.

Sierra Shangri-La is located in a beautiful forested area surrounded by the Tahoe National Forest. It is a totally natural setting with minimal disruptions to the environment. The owners and managers of Shangri-La are dedicated to maintaining the natural wildlife habitat and ecological integrity of our precious piece of paradise.