Virtual Sierra County Video

Sierra Valley is the largest alpine valley in North America. This overlook on Highway 49, east of Yuba Pass, provides a spectacular panoramic view of this beautiful valley and surrounding mountains. Many ranches were settled in the 1850s, which provided food for the western Sierra gold mines. By the 1880s it was one of the finest agricultural regions of California.

Sierra City was established as a mining town in 1850. There you will find several shops, restaurants, and lodges. Main Street in Sierra City is charmingly narrow and lined with many turn-of-the-century buildings. The Birsh and Heringlake building was built in 1871. The Masonic Hall, built in 1864, is the oldest building in town.

The Kentucky Mine, Stamp mill and Museum are located just east of Sierra City on Highway 49. The museum offers guided tours into the underground mine and also into California’s only remaining workable gold ore stamp mill. The museum depicts the gold rush era of Sierra County, life in a mining camp, and the local American Indian culture.

Downieville is the county seat and is located at the fork of the North Yuba and Downie rivers. Gold was discovered here in the summer of 1849. You can now enjoy a town rich with history while taking advantage of an area that provides an abundance of outdoor recreational activities.