Sierra City proudly proclaims itself as the “Gateway to the Lakes Basin.” It is a charming Gold Rush community resting peacefully along the North Yuba River and tucked in comfortably below the high country.
Sierra Buttes tower over the tiny town.
Choice accommodations, great food, drink, and warm hospitality are the little city’s specialties.
An avalanche wiped out much of the town in 1853 and forced the community to rebuild at this lower elevation. Although snow is common, the valley location places it below serious snow levels. Sierra Buttes tower over the tiny town.
Choice accommodations, great food, drink, and warm hospitality are the little city’s specialties. A B&B, accommodations in historic buildings, modern motels and resorts are clustered in the friendly town. Cozy cafes, excellent dining, and resort fare are all available. Nearby Lakes Basin offers several rustic accommodations and fine dining in quaint settings.
The Kentucky Mine Museum offers a concert series on summer weekends. The museum features a working stamp mill and guided tours are available. Campgrounds are located nearby – both down and up river. Mountain bikers and ORV enthusiasts scramble up the flanks of Sierra Buttes and drop into the beautifully remote Gold Valley. Arguably the best fishing in the North Yuba River lies downstream within a few miles of town. Pacific Crest Trail thru-trekkers often use the Post Office and local services to re-supply and refresh themselves on their long trek to Canada. The only significant stretch (one-half mile) of public recreational dredging and panning is available just downriver of town.
Fall colors and spring flowers make the seasons especially attractive. Both snowmobilers and cross-country skiers use Sierra City as a base to enjoy the great snow country a few minutes away.
| Population: | 330 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.sierracounty.org Community: www.sierracity.com Visitor Center: www.sierracounty.org |
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Services:
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From the west, travel north and east above Nevada City about 54 miles. From Truckee it is 47 miles via Highway 89 to the north and Highway 49 to the west over Yuba Pass. From either direction, the drive is some of the best of the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway.
From Reno, travel north on Highway 395 to Highway 70 and turn left (west) onto that highway. Follow it west to the suburbs to the west of downtown Vinton. Turn left (south) on Highway 49 and follow it though Loyalton, Sierraville and downtown Satley and continue heading west over the Sierra Crest at Yuba Pass. Drop down the valley along the headwaters of the North Yuba River and continue west past Bassetts for five miles.