South Yuba River State Park: A Gold Rush Jewel
Discover California's Gold Rush history and natural beauty at South Yuba River State Park: hiking, swimming, and historic bridges await!
South Yuba River State Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offers a blend of natural beauty and Gold Rush history. Hike along the scenic South Yuba River, explore historic bridges, and discover swimming holes surrounded by granite rocks.
A brief summary to South Yuba River State Park
- 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley, California, 95946, US
- +1530-432-2546
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
- Thursday 7 am-8 pm
- Friday 7 am-8 pm
- Saturday 7 am-8 pm
- Sunday 7 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots, particularly at Bridgeport, fill up quickly.
- Bring water shoes for swimming, as some areas have rocky bottoms.
- Pack a picnic, as there are no food vendors within the park.
- Visit in the spring (April-May) for the best wildflower displays, especially on the Buttermilk Bend Trail.
- Check the park's website or call for updates on events, conditions, and visitor center hours.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 20, about 7.5 miles west of Grass Valley (or 24 miles east of Marysville), turn north onto Pleasant Valley Road. Follow Pleasant Valley Road for approximately 7.8 miles to reach the park's headquarters at Bridgeport. Parking is available at the visitor center and near the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, with a $5 day-use fee. Parking along Pleasant Valley Road is prohibited.
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Public Transport
From the Nevada County Government Center, take the Nevada County Transit Services (NCTS) Route #7 bus towards Pleasant Valley. The bus stops at the South Yuba River Bridge, near popular swimming holes. Check the NCTS website for current schedules and fares. A single ride fare is typically around $2.
Discover more about South Yuba River State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
California Historical Landmark 294: Rough and Ready
8.5 km
Explore Rough and Ready Historical Landmark 294, a captivating site that embodies the spirit of the Gold Rush era in California's scenic landscape.
Cement Hill Nisenan burial site-
12.3 km
Discover the poignant history and enduring legacy of the Nisenan people at the Cement Hill burial site in Nevada City, a place of remembrance and cultural significance.
California Historical Landmark 297: Gold Hill Mine
13.8 km
Explore the captivating Gold Hill Mine, a historical landmark in Grass Valley, California, and discover the rich stories of the Gold Rush era.
The North Star House
14.9 km
Explore The North Star House, a historic wedding and event venue in Grass Valley, California, surrounded by breathtaking gardens and rich heritage.
Miners Foundry Cultural Center
15.3 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant cultural scene at Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City, home to live music, art, and community events.
Empire Mine State Historic Park Visitors Center
15.9 km
Explore California's Gold Rush heritage at Empire Mine State Historic Park with stunning gardens and rich history.
Edwards Crossing Bridge
18.5 km
Discover the historic Edwards Crossing Bridge near Nevada City, CA: a scenic gateway to swimming, hiking, and Gold Rush history in the South Yuba River State Park.
California State Historical Landmark No. 799
27.2 km
Explore California State Historical Landmark No. 799 in Grass Valley, a captivating journey into the heart of California's gold rush history.
Colfax Heritage Museum
29.9 km
Uncover the captivating history of Colfax, California at the Colfax Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of local heritage and stories.
Gold Run historic landmark
31.8 km
Explore Gold Run, a historic landmark steeped in California's Gold Rush history, surrounded by breathtaking Sierra Nevada landscapes.
Iowa Hill Historical Marker
35.3 km
Explore California's Gold Rush heritage at the Iowa Hill Historical Marker, where history meets stunning natural beauty.
Gold Country Casino Resort
35.6 km
Experience the excitement of Gold Country Casino Resort, where gaming, dining, and relaxation come together in beautiful Oroville, California.
Historic Marysville
38.0 km
Discover the rich history and vibrant community of Historic Marysville, California, where the past meets the present in a charming setting.
California Historical Landmarks 628 and 629: Alpha and Omega
38.0 km
Explore the remnants of California's Gold Rush at Alpha and Omega, where hydraulic mining reshaped the landscape and left a lasting legacy near Nevada City.
Oroville Chinese Temple
40.0 km
Explore the rich heritage of the Oroville Chinese Temple, a historical landmark showcasing the vibrant culture of the Chinese community in California.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bridgeport Covered Bridge
0.1 km
Step back in time at the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, a beautifully restored Gold Rush-era landmark in South Yuba River State Park.
Northstar Mining Museum
14.2 km
Explore California's Gold Rush history at the Northstar Mining Museum in Grass Valley, home to the world's largest Pelton wheel and authentic mining exhibits.
Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Nevada City
15.5 km
Explore Nevada City's hidden treasures and rich history through an engaging scavenger hunt adventure perfect for all ages.
Fire House #1 Museum
15.5 km
Explore the legacy of firefighting at Fire House #1 Museum in Nevada City, where history and community converge in a charming historic setting.
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
15.8 km
Discover Nevada County's transportation history at this museum dedicated to the narrow gauge railroad era.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
15.9 km
Step back in time at California's Empire Mine, explore historic buildings, and discover the golden legacy of the Gold Rush era.
Pioneer Park
16.1 km
Explore Pioneer Park in Nevada City, CA - a serene retreat filled with lush landscapes, walking trails, and vibrant community events.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
26.9 km
Discover California's Gold Rush history at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, where hydraulic mining shaped the landscape and a ghost town whispers tales of the past.
Golden Drift Museum
32.1 km
Explore the Golden Drift Museum in Dutch Flat, California – a captivating journey through the rich history of the Gold Rush era.
Mother Orange Tree of Butte County
36.1 km
Visit California's oldest living orange tree in Oroville, a historical landmark and symbol of the state's pioneering citrus industry.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
37.2 km
Experience the natural beauty of Hidden Falls Regional Park in California, a perfect destination for outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Rappé Family Vineyards
39.9 km
Escape to Rappé Family Vineyards in Auburn, CA: Award-winning wines, serene vineyards, and a tranquil country setting on the Placer Wine & Ale Trail.
NorCal Escape Co.
44.7 km
Experience immersive escape room adventures with unique themes and challenging puzzles at NorCal Escape Co. in Yuba City, CA.
The Gold Rush Museum
44.8 km
Discover the Gold Rush Museum in Auburn, California – an immersive journey into the heart of America's gold mining history.
Black Hole of Calcutta Falls
44.8 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Black Hole of Calcutta Falls in Auburn, California, where nature's wonders await exploration and relaxation.
Essential places to dine
Seasons 52
79.5 km
Experience culinary excellence at Seasons 52 in Sacramento - where fresh seasonal ingredients meet innovative New American cuisine.
Plan B Restaurant
81.4 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in Sacramento at Plan B Restaurant – where exquisite flavors meet an inviting atmosphere.
Zinfandel Grille
82.0 km
Experience the perfect blend of American comfort food and Italian classics at Zinfandel Grille in Sacramento.
Poppy by Mama Kim
82.9 km
Discover the rich flavors of American cuisine at Poppy by Mama Kim, your go-to spot for dining and events in East Sacramento.
Moxie Restaurant
83.1 km
Discover Moxie Restaurant in Sacramento - where exquisite American cuisine meets fine dining elegance.
The Melting Pot
83.2 km
Experience the art of fondue dining at The Melting Pot in Sacramento—where every meal becomes an interactive culinary adventure.
Tapa the World
83.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas at Tapa the World in Sacramento, where every dish tells a story of rich culinary tradition.
Grange Restaurant & Bar
83.4 km
Discover exquisite dining at Grange Restaurant & Bar in Sacramento – where local flavors meet culinary excellence in a stylish atmosphere.
Echo & Rig
83.4 km
Discover Echo & Rig in Sacramento: A premier steakhouse blending fine dining with casual elegance featuring an in-house butcher shop and vibrant cocktail bar.
Bear & Crown British Pub
83.4 km
Discover the flavors of modern British cuisine at Bear & Crown Pub in Old Sacramento – your cozy retreat for food and drink.
Honey and The Trapcat
83.4 km
Savor classic American dishes at Honey and The Trapcat - a charming eatery nestled in historic Old Sacramento.
Fanny Ann's Saloon
83.4 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Fanny Ann's Saloon in Old Sacramento – where great food meets lively entertainment.
Brasserie du Monde
83.4 km
Indulge in authentic French cuisine at Brasserie du Monde, where elegance meets culinary excellence in downtown Sacramento.
The Pilothouse Restaurant at the Delta King
83.4 km
Experience the charm of Sacramento at The Pilothouse Restaurant on the historic Delta King—where fine dining meets breathtaking river views.
La Terraza
83.4 km
Experience the vibrant tastes of Mexico at La Terraza in Old Sacramento – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Antique Annie's
79.4 km
Explore Antique Annie's in Sacramento for a unique collection of vintage treasures, furniture restoration services, and charming decor pieces.
Article Consignment Boutique
83.2 km
Explore the charm of sustainable fashion at Article Consignment Boutique in East Sacramento, where unique finds await every savvy shopper.
The Pomegranate Boutique
83.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local artisan creations at The Pomegranate Boutique in Sacramento's Boulevard Park.
Visions of Eden
83.4 km
Explore Visions of Eden in Old Sacramento for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your travels.
The Bus Stop Vintage
83.4 km
Discover unique fashion and home goods at The Bus Stop Vintage, a charming boutique in Sacramento offering a treasure trove of vintage finds.
Más Bueno Boutique
83.4 km
Discover unique women's fashion and accessories at Más Bueno Boutique, Sacramento's top destination for stylish clothing and swimwear.
Cali Way
83.4 km
Explore Cali Way in Old Sacramento for unique gifts and clothing that celebrate California's vibrant culture.
Sugar Shack Boutique
83.4 km
Shop unique gifts and stylish women's clothing at Sugar Shack Boutique, Sacramento's charming destination for fashion and accessories.
Vintage YSJ
83.4 km
Explore Vintage YSJ, Sacramento's hidden gem for unique vintage clothing and timeless fashion treasures.
Sacramento Shop - Atrium 916
83.4 km
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Old Sacramento Waterfront
83.4 km
Explore the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront, where rich heritage meets vibrant shopping, dining, and scenic river views.
Cuffs.
83.4 km
Explore Cuffs in Midtown Sacramento for a unique vintage shopping experience that celebrates women's fashion and sustainability.
57th Street Antique Mall
83.4 km
Explore the charm of the past at 57th Street Antique Mall, Sacramento's ultimate destination for unique vintage finds and timeless treasures.
Mea Vita
83.5 km
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Evangeline's
83.5 km
Discover the charm of Evangeline's in Old Sacramento, where unique gifts and whimsical treasures await every visitor.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Berkley Bar
82.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cocktails at Berkley Bar, a must-visit nightlife destination in Sacramento.
Last Stop Saloon
83.3 km
Discover Last Stop Saloon, a charming cocktail bar in Old Sacramento offering craft cocktails and a historic atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Other Office
83.3 km
Discover local charm and crafted cocktails at The Other Office, a cozy bar in the historic Old Sacramento district.
Chambers Room
83.3 km
Discover the Chambers Room, a charming bar in downtown Sacramento, offering crafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for the perfect night out.
Brannan Manor Restaurant & Spirits
83.4 km
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Revival
83.4 km
Discover Revival, Sacramento's stylish lounge where craft cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await for an unforgettable night out.
The Rooftop
83.4 km
Unwind at The Rooftop, Sacramento's chic bar and lounge offering stunning city views, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Ten Ten Room
83.4 km
Experience the art of cocktail-making at Ten Ten Room, Sacramento's favorite cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and lively atmosphere.
Streets Pub and Grub
83.4 km
Experience the heart of Sacramento dining at Streets Pub and Grub, where local flavors and vibrant atmosphere come together for an unforgettable outing.
The Jungle Bird
83.4 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Jungle Bird, Sacramento's premier Tiki bar, serving exotic cocktails and delicious cuisine in a tropical setting.
Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar
83.4 km
Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar offers an exquisite selection of sparkling wines in a chic, vibrant atmosphere, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings.
Bonn Lair
83.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sacramento at Bonn Lair, a cozy bar with a vast drink selection and friendly ambiance.
The Green Room
83.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Green Room in East Sacramento, where trendy meets cozy for an unforgettable lounge experience.
Vega's
83.5 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Vega's in Old Sacramento, a lively bar offering delicious drinks and a welcoming ambiance for all visitors.
Sean Finnegan's Pub
83.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and delicious drinks at Sean Finnegan's Pub in Old Sacramento, a perfect spot for tourists to unwind and mingle.