Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

Downieville, CA

Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis

Downieville, CA

Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis

Downieville, CA

Where Two Rivers Meet in a Lost Sierra Oasis

Looking for a New Adventure? Downieville Has It All

Downieville is a mountain biking boomtown located along Highway 49 in the Lost Sierra region of the Tahoe National Forest. It was founded in 1849, during the historic gold rush. The village built along the banks of two (the North Yuba and the Downie) pristine spring and snowmelt-fed rivers is a year-round destination. Visitors will find a quaint downtown surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Downtown Downieville features hotels, inns, and cottages for accommodations, restaurants, shops, bars, a day spa, and a gallery to explore.

The Sierra town is host to the legendary Downieville Classic Cross Country Race and Festival. Each year, the town sees its population swell as thousands of athletes and spectators come from all over the United States, Canada, and even Europe to attend one of the top 10 bicycle festivals, according to Outside Magazine. The festival includes two of the toughest mountain bike races, food, live music, and the always-popular Ron’s House of Big Air bike jump.

Downieville is also well known for being one of the best locations for other outdoor activities, including white water rafting, kayaking, camping, hiking, fly fishing, and off-roading during the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the winter.

“A Hidden Village Tucked Away in the Sierra Nevada Mountains”

people paddle boarding

Get Close to Nature

Outdoor Adventures Await

Downieville, CA is steeped in history going back to its origin as a gold rush town, originally called The Forks, due to its location at the fork of the two rivers. The area also lends itself to a limitless number of mountainside outdoor activities for year-round fun. The region sees very little rain from spring through early winter, which means visitors and tourists can always expect a sunny day when visiting, especially in the summer. Winters are relatively comfortable, with plenty of snowfall to keep visitors busy. The area offers plenty of opportunities for:

  • Mountain biking
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • White-water rafting
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Skiing

Downieville Reviews

rider going off a ramp and into the river

Come to Compete or Just to Have Fun

The World-Renowned Downieville Classic

One of the hottest times to visit Downieville is the weekend of the Downieville Classic and Bike Festival. This weekend of competition, food, and live music is a multi-day party like no other. Thousands of visitors come from across the U.S., Canada, and the world over to compete or just enjoy the festivities and take in the scene. Competitions include the 26.5-mile cross-country race, a 15-mile downhill race with a 5,000 vertical drop, and the fan-favorite Ron’s House of Big Air bike jump.

Join Our Email List

Get In Touch Today

Discover Downieville

Address
200 Main St
Downieville, CA 95936

(Located in the Cold Rush Cafe)

200 Main St, Downieville, CA 95936, USA