With a population of 862, Loyalton is not only the largest community in Sierra Valley, it is the largest town in Sierra County. Small, perhaps, but a full-service community.
The valley sweeps to the north and west with miles of hayfields, cattle, and about 100 historic barns, many of them dating as far back as the 1870s
Mountain biking on the numerous old logging roads is a ball and the area has yet to be discovered by crowds.
The town sits along the southeastern rim of the largest alpine valley in the U.S. The valley sweeps to the north and west with miles of hayfields, cattle, and about 100 historic barns, many of them dating as far back as the 1870s. Behind Loyalton is a cluster of hills that top off at Sardine Peak. The Verdi Range lies to the east and forms the last bastion of the Sierra Nevada before it tumbles into Nevada’s Great Basin.
In the period beginning in the 1870s to World War II, cheese, milk and butter products were provided from the rich Sierra Valley to miners and the wealthy citizens of San Francisco. Many of the ranches are still operated by the same families for over 100 years and most of the barns are still working hard. The structures are all on private property but many offer great photographic opportunities from public roads. The local museum depicts their story.
Dozens of channels forming the headwaters of the Feather River combined with fertile fields attracts thousands of waterfowl in season. Above and south of Loyalton, fishing is good in Smithneck Creek. The California Department of Fish & Game (CDF&G) manages the very small Smithneck Wildlife Area to maintain the fishery. They also manage the Antelope Valley Wildlife Area to enhance the deer winter range. Bear Valley Camping and off-road vehicle (ORV) areas lie a few miles south of Loyalton. Mountain biking on the numerous old logging roads is a ball and the area has yet to be discovered by crowds. Sardine Peak offers a great uphill challenge and destination with great views of the valley and surrounding pine-covered hills. The Cottonwood fire burned over 50,000 acres in a swath across much of the hills behind Loyalton, but the area is recovering nicely, with thousands of young pines and even more wildflowers than before. Mushroom picking is popular in the old burn. Deer hunting is extensive.
| Population: | 862 | Links: | Visitor Center: www.sierracounty.org |
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Services:
Automotive
Lodging
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From Truckee and Sierraville, follow Highway 49 east out of Sierraville for 13 miles. From Reno, follow Highway 395 north then turn left (west) on Highway 70 at Hallelujah Junction. Turn left again in downtown Vinton on Highway 49.