RECREATION
Rafting:
Much of the recent press about Sierra County goes to mountain biking but the area has always been known for great rafting and kayaking. The North Yuba has Class 1V and V rapids from April till about the 4th of July depending on the flow. Much attention goes to the infamous Maytag (“Spin Cycle”) Class V rapid. The more challenging rafting (more technical) however can be found further upstream in Moss Caynon which passes through our property on the Fournier Ranch. There are three outfitters that have a license to run commercial ventures on the North Yuba.
More information: Whitewater Voyages, Tributary Whitewater Tours
Much of the recent press about Sierra County goes to mountain biking but the area has always been known for great rafting and kayaking. The North Yuba has Class 1V and V rapids from April till about the 4th of July depending on the flow. Much attention goes to the infamous Maytag (“Spin Cycle”) Class V rapid. The more challenging rafting (more technical) however can be found further upstream in Moss Caynon which passes through our property on the Fournier Ranch. There are three outfitters that have a license to run commercial ventures on the North Yuba.
More information: Whitewater Voyages, Tributary Whitewater Tours
Fly Fishing:
The North Fork Yuba River from Sierra City downstream to Ladies Canyon Creek is a special regulation area. Signs designating this section are posted near the river Anglers may use only artificial lures or flies with single barbless hooks. A two-fish limit applies and fish must be at least ten inches long to be kept. Because of this special status and the fact that access is limited because of private property concerns this stretch of river is considered the best river fishing in Sierra County.
More information: Sierra Outdoor Fishing, Local Fishing Spots
The North Fork Yuba River from Sierra City downstream to Ladies Canyon Creek is a special regulation area. Signs designating this section are posted near the river Anglers may use only artificial lures or flies with single barbless hooks. A two-fish limit applies and fish must be at least ten inches long to be kept. Because of this special status and the fact that access is limited because of private property concerns this stretch of river is considered the best river fishing in Sierra County.
More information: Sierra Outdoor Fishing, Local Fishing Spots
Lake Fishing:
Sierra County has numerous lakes within 15 minutes of our properties. Some like Lower Sardine, Salmon Lake, and Gold Lake are heavily stocked and can be fished by boat or by the shore. Others need to be hiked into and can only be fished from the shore. Young America Lake, in the shadow of the Sierra Buttes, is home to the California Golden Trout and is a hike not for the faint of heart, while others, like Lower Sardine and Packer Lake, are almost guaranteed to produce stocked rainbows and brook trout. For a great day rent a boat with the family at the Sardine Lake Lodge and fish Lower Sardine Lake with nighcrawlers or Power Bait. You’ll have a memorable, relaxing day.
More information: Sardine Lake Fishing
Sierra County has numerous lakes within 15 minutes of our properties. Some like Lower Sardine, Salmon Lake, and Gold Lake are heavily stocked and can be fished by boat or by the shore. Others need to be hiked into and can only be fished from the shore. Young America Lake, in the shadow of the Sierra Buttes, is home to the California Golden Trout and is a hike not for the faint of heart, while others, like Lower Sardine and Packer Lake, are almost guaranteed to produce stocked rainbows and brook trout. For a great day rent a boat with the family at the Sardine Lake Lodge and fish Lower Sardine Lake with nighcrawlers or Power Bait. You’ll have a memorable, relaxing day.
More information: Sardine Lake Fishing
Hiking:
For many there is no closer feeling to being in the Swiss Alps in America than hiking to the top of the Sierra Buttes. Sitting on a boat in the middle of Lower Sardine, hiking the Bear Lakes Loop, or just going to Bassett’s Station for an ice cream on a hot summers day are what keep people coming back to the Lakes Basin for a lifetime. Because almost all of Sierra County is comprised of Tahoe National Forest, things are much as they were a hundred years ago (and not likely to change much). While Lake Tahoe builds another strip mall, Sierra County, which takes nearly two hours to traverse on Highway 49, has yet to have a stoplight!
More information: Trail info, Highway 49 Recreation
For many there is no closer feeling to being in the Swiss Alps in America than hiking to the top of the Sierra Buttes. Sitting on a boat in the middle of Lower Sardine, hiking the Bear Lakes Loop, or just going to Bassett’s Station for an ice cream on a hot summers day are what keep people coming back to the Lakes Basin for a lifetime. Because almost all of Sierra County is comprised of Tahoe National Forest, things are much as they were a hundred years ago (and not likely to change much). While Lake Tahoe builds another strip mall, Sierra County, which takes nearly two hours to traverse on Highway 49, has yet to have a stoplight!
More information: Trail info, Highway 49 Recreation
Mountain Biking:
Ask any mountain biker where the "Mecca" of their sport is and you'll likely to receive only two answers: Downieville and Moab, Utah. Downieville is famous for many mountain bike trails but none as famous as the "Downieville Downhill". It's a 4,500 ft drop from Packer Saddle (7,500 ft) to Downieville (3,000 ft). Riders take a shuttle to the top and then turned loose on the single track road to town. It's about as close to a natural amusement park as you can get. It's fun to see the mountain bikers come in to town smiling.
More information: Top 10 California Mountain Biking, Trail Summary
Ask any mountain biker where the "Mecca" of their sport is and you'll likely to receive only two answers: Downieville and Moab, Utah. Downieville is famous for many mountain bike trails but none as famous as the "Downieville Downhill". It's a 4,500 ft drop from Packer Saddle (7,500 ft) to Downieville (3,000 ft). Riders take a shuttle to the top and then turned loose on the single track road to town. It's about as close to a natural amusement park as you can get. It's fun to see the mountain bikers come in to town smiling.
More information: Top 10 California Mountain Biking, Trail Summary
Horseback Riding:
Located on the shores of Gold Lake, Reid Horse and Cattle Co. has been doing both hourly and overnight trips for years.
More information: Reid Horses
Located on the shores of Gold Lake, Reid Horse and Cattle Co. has been doing both hourly and overnight trips for years.
More information: Reid Horses
Kayaking:
The North Yuba is considered an “expert” river and should be treated with respect by kayakers. The most popular kayaking locations are the Yuba, Downie, and Pauley Creek.
More information: Yuba River Kayaking, North Fork Kayaking,
The North Yuba is considered an “expert” river and should be treated with respect by kayakers. The most popular kayaking locations are the Yuba, Downie, and Pauley Creek.
More information: Yuba River Kayaking, North Fork Kayaking,