Downieville, CA
Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis
Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis
Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis
Looking for a New Adventure? Downieville Has It All
Downieville is a mountain biking boomtown located along Highway 49 in the Lost Sierra region of the Tahoe National Forest. It was founded in 1849, during the historic gold rush. The village built along the banks of two (the North Yuba and the Downie) pristine spring and snowmelt-fed rivers is a year-round destination. Visitors will find a quaint downtown surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Downtown Downieville features hotels, inns, and cottages for accommodations, restaurants, shops, bars, a day spa, and a gallery to explore.
The Sierra town is host to the legendary Downieville Classic Cross Country Race and Festival. Each year, the town sees its population swell as thousands of athletes and spectators come from all over the United States, Canada, and even Europe to attend one of the top 10 bicycle festivals, according to Outside Magazine. The festival includes two of the toughest mountain bike races, food, live music, and the always-popular Ron’s House of Big Air bike jump.
Downieville is also well known for being one of the best locations for other outdoor activities, including white water rafting, kayaking, camping, hiking, fly fishing, and off-roading during the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the winter.
“A Hidden Village Tucked Away in the Sierra Nevada Mountains”
Get Close to Nature
Outdoor Adventures Await
Downieville, CA is steeped in history going back to its origin as a gold rush town, originally called The Forks, due to its location at the fork of the two rivers. The area also lends itself to a limitless number of mountainside outdoor activities for year-round fun. The region sees very little rain from spring through early winter, which means visitors and tourists can always expect a sunny day when visiting, especially in the summer. Winters are relatively comfortable, with plenty of snowfall to keep visitors busy. The area offers plenty of opportunities for:
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Camping
- Swimming
- Fishing
- White-water rafting
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Skiing
Downieville Reviews
In the summertime, the population explodes with the infusion of mountain bikers, white water rafters and kayakers, fly-fishermen, people who love to play in the river, bird watchers, and hikers. Basically, anyone who wants to stay in a place out of this world heads to Downieville.
In a High cleft of the Northern Sierra, straddling two rivers that once lured gold miners, Downieville, California is enjoying a 21st-century treasure boom in the form of extreme sports.
Trails. Trails. Trails! The BEST trails are in Downieville.
If you are looking for a summer or winter destination where you can enjoy all that a historic Gold Rush town has to offer, Downieville is a place to add to your bucket list.
Downieville is one of those places you have to go to if you are serious about mountain biking. Kinda like a Mecca destination.
Downtown Charm & Local Hospitality
If you’re looking to get away to a one-of-a-kind, magical place unlike any other, Downieville, CA is all that and more, and you don’t have to wait for a bike festival to enjoy it. Friends and families feel a sense of rejuvenation from the crisp mountain air. The walkable downtown area offers a throwback vibe to a simpler time. The commercial district, featuring Empire Creek Provisions, has everyday essentials for mountain living, ensuring you can always find what you need, even if you’re only here for a short visit. You’ll find live music, trivia nights, organic coffee, and a fair-trade market, all available seven days a week.
Come to Compete or Just to Have Fun
The World-Renowned Downieville Classic
One of the hottest times to visit Downieville is the weekend of the Downieville Classic and Bike Festival. This weekend of competition, food, and live music is a multi-day party like no other. Thousands of visitors come from across the U.S., Canada, and the world over to compete or just enjoy the festivities and take in the scene. Competitions include the 26.5-mile cross-country race, a 15-mile downhill race with a 5,000 vertical drop, and the fan-favorite Ron’s House of Big Air bike jump.
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Address
200 Main St
Downieville, CA 95936
(Located in the Cold Rush Cafe)
200 Main St, Downieville, CA 95936, USA