This region of Sierra County is covered with evergreen forests and oak woodlands. Rugged river canyons cut by the Middle and North Yuba Rivers illustrate the power of nature to carve solid rock. The canyon walls and forested hillsides provide dramatic backdrops to the rivers and waterfalls.

The Middle Yuba River forms the southwestern border of Sierra County. This untamed river provides exceptional fishing and beautiful views. Highway 49 parallels the North Yuba River from the bridge at Indian Valley to near Yuba Pass, giving recreationists easy access to sight-seeing, fishing, camping, and swimming.

During the Gold Rush, mining claims along the river were some of the richest in California. Today, the South Yuba River State Park offers a variety of activities along a 20 mile portion of the South Fork of the Yuba River. The Yuba River watershed extends from the high country of Sierra and Nevada County to the Feather River between the cities of Marysville and Yuba City.

Gold Panning:

Bridgeport:

Old Hwy. 20 out of Grass Valley to picturesque Bitney Springs Road, right to Pleasant Valley Road, right to park. Site includes longest single span covered bridge in existence, ranger station. Gold panning tours available. Hands and pans only. For more info, contact (530) 432-2546.

Town of Washington:

East of Nevada City off Hwy. 20. Pan at local camp grounds, Tahoe National Forest (TNF) Keleher Picnic Area on Yuba River two miles upstream from town, TNF Quartz Picnic Area further up stream. Information sheets available at TNF, 631 Coyote St., Nevada City, CA 95959; (530) 265-4531.

Additional Information: More serious miners, contact Bureau of Land Management, 63 Natomas St., Folsom, CA 95630; (916) 985-4474.

Sight-seeing, fishing, camping, gold-panning and swimming.