SOUTH YUBA RIVER
Nevada City is a playground for the outdoor enthusiasts and the Inn Campground is passionate about sharing our love for adventures with our guests and locals.
And we’re all dreaming of our upcoming lazy days by the river. SYRCL has some great tips and suggestions for planning your next trip to the South Yuba River State Park, please be aware of cold temperatures and high flows at the beginning of the summer. We always remind folks that swimming levels are often below 100 CSF, so make sure to check the flows.
If you’re looking for looking for more options, check out the trails in Malakoff Diggins Historic State Park, our favorite is Humbug Trail. If you’re looking for more outdoor access and dispersed camping, check out the BLM information about the South Yuba Recreation Area.
The Inn Town Campground is located in downtown Nevada City, the closest serviced camping to the South Yuba River State Park Park, with water, bathrooms, tent camping, glamping and RV hook ups. A day trip to the river is a great way to experience the Sierra Foothills, no mater what season.
SOUTH YUBA RIVER
No time to waste, adventures await!
For a map and directions to the South Yuba River, click here for information to Edwards Crossing, 49 Crossing, Purdons Crossing and Bridgeport.
We always we recommend folks practice proper etiquette and awareness: pack it in, pack it out, no glass, no fires, please do not park in no parking zones and be aware of currents and water temperatures, wear a life jacket.
Our top recommendations for dog friendly hikes include:
Buttermilk Bend Trail: This trail allows dogs on leashes. Buttermilk Bend Trail begins near Penn Valley, winding a little over a mile up the South Yuba River. Be sure to come in the Spring time to see the spectacular Spring wildflowers!
Independence Trail: The first ever wheelchair accessible trail in the country was unfortunately damaged in the Jones Fire. You can still hike the East Bound trail, great easy walk for the whole family.
Point Defiance Trail: This 2.5mile loop located near Bridgeport with access to a lake is the perfect way to get some exercise and then take a refreshing swim with your pup.
Buttermilk Bend
The wildflowers start to bloom along the Buttermilk Bend trail by Bridgeport, South Yuba River in early spring. The 2 1/2 mile walk along the South Yuba River is a great way to experience the beauty and magic of the river. Bring your camera and look for a variety of California wildflowers including Golden Poppies, Purple Lupine, White Daisy’s, Western Buttercup, Larkspur and Shooting Stars. The Western Redbud are just starting to bloom, while the poppies are out, but not quite covering the hillside. Please remember there’s now a $10 parking fee at Bridgeport, but there’s a credit card kiosk. This is one of my favorite family friendly activities as the hike is appropriate for all ages. Click here for the self guided trees and shrubs brochure or here for a wildflowers directory. For the State Park map, check out the digital version online. If you’re looking to add a longer loop to your hike, check out the Point Defiance Loop.
The California State Park encourages folks, “To be sure to look for the newly posted signs along the trail for information on our native plants. Please stay on the path and don’t pick the wildflowers instead, leave them for others to enjoy. Also, the Poison Oak is starting to grow, and can be hard to spot without its distinctive leaves. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but please remember to bring a mask in your pocket for passing others on narrow sections of the trail.”
