Nestled in the mountains of Sierra County and at the intersection of two beautiful rivers is a small community full of history and opportunities for recreation. Downieville, which has a population of just over 300, was formed in the mid 1800s and is now a thriving, but relatively unheard of, tourist destination. There are plenty of ways to explore the history and the landscape of this small community.
Downieville is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It’s part of the Motherlode and is located on Highway 49, the scenic route that runs north-south through Gold Country.
It’s an incredibly scenic town that was named after Major William Downie, the town’s founder. He was a Scotsman who had an expedition of nine miners, seven of whom were African Americans, up the North Fork of the Yuba River in the Autumn of 1849.
Flickr/ Mark Hogan
Many people, however, have never heard of this Northern California gem. It’s a small and sleepy place located at almost 3,000 feet above sea level.
Flickr/ David Dufresne
In recent years, the area was discovered by mountain bikers, who call this spot one of the best in the area for their sport.
Flickr/ David Dufresne
They come from far and wide to ride the scenic trails located in these hills. The sport has revitalized this community and put it back on the map.
Flickr/ mtnbikrrrr
The mountain bikers are a fun and lively addition to the town’s natural beauty. Be sure to keep an eye out for them as they breeze through town… they definitely have the right of way here! There are shuttles that take mountain bikers from the center of town to the nearby trail head of the popular “Downieville Downhill.”
Flickr/ Nica Lorber
Downieville’s culture is heavily influenced by these folks as well, who like to come to town and have a good time with each other.
Flickr/ Nica Lorber
There are plenty of other opportunities for recreation in addition to the world class biking.
Flickr/ snot_posse
The town is located at the confluence of the Downie and Yuba Rivers, two sparkling and scenic bodies of water that are just beautiful year round.
Flickr/ Nathan LeClair
Although we don’t suggest taking a dip in the winter. It get’s cold here!
Flickr/ Lily Gicker
In the summer, drive or hike through the Northern Sierra mountains. This spot is close to the Sierra Buttes and other famous places to climb and play.
Flickr/ Nica Lorber
The snow makes it a truly lovely winter vacation destination, however.
Flickr/ Lily Gicker
The peaceful rivers are definitely a draw to the area, and a huge reason why the town was founded here in the first place.
Flickr/ mtnbikrrrr
Downieville was founded in late 1849 during the California Gold Rush, in the Northern Mines area. It was first known as “The Forks” for its geographical location.
Flickr/ mtnbikrrrr
The rivers that run through here were once rich with gold, and while you can still pan here and try your luck, most people stick to fishing if they want to take anything home with them at the end of the day.
Flickr/ mtnbikrrrr
Major Downie’s was also a the first mayor and his travels are documented in his 1893 autobiography, “Hunting for Gold.” The community’s history is well preserved and is typical of most Gold Rush Towns along Highway 49.
Flickr/ denvilles_duo
Most of the other communities in this area have grown since the Gold Rush, however, and Downieville has significantly declined. It already had 15 hotels, 4 bakeries, 4 butcher shops, and numerous saloons by the year 1850.
Flickr/ Ken Lund
Downieville had reached a peak population of over 5,000 people in 1851, but by 1865 a fraction of that many people lived there. Today, there are only 282 residents.
Flickr/ denvilles_duo
In 1853 Downieville was vying to become the new state capital of California, along with fifteen other California communities to replace Vallejo. However, the capital was moved to Benicia for a year, and then in 1854 to Sacramento, its location ever since.
Flickr/ denvilles_duo
Today, it’s small but still a place steeped in fascinating history, like the story of Josefa Segovia, who in 1851 became the only pregnant woman to be hung for her alleged crimes in the state of California. Pictured here are the historic Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows in Downieville.
Flickr/ Stuart Orford
Several plaques throughout the town, as well as the Downieville Museum, tell stories of the wild west that took place in this spot.
Flickr/ mtnbikrrrr
It’s a captivating and incredible place with a compelling mixture of new and old, recreation and history. If you have an interest in either category, you will find your trip to this remote little town well worth it.
Flickr/ Ken Lund
Have you visited Downieville? Let us know what you love about this small town in the Facebook comments!
Flickr/ Mark Hogan
Flickr/ David Dufresne
Flickr/ mtnbikrrrr
Flickr/ Nica Lorber
Flickr/ snot_posse
Flickr/ Nathan LeClair
Flickr/ Lily Gicker
Flickr/ denvilles_duo
Flickr/ Ken Lund
Flickr/ Stuart Orford
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