Downieville is known for its epic Spring and Summer activities like downhill mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing of all kinds and of course the never ending search for gold. What many summer visitors don't realize is that this small mountain town offers plenty of amazing adventures during the Fall and Winter months to keep the blues away.

The town boasts a fairly mild Fall, with current temperatures reaching the Mid 60’s in the day, and dropping at night. You’ll wake up to frost but within a couple of hours the sun rays hit the town, the frost melts and the fog clears leaving fresh crisp air perfect for any outdoor adventure. Wear layers, and pack clothing for all kinds of weather because sometimes it’s almost warm enough for shorts, and other times it feels like you might need a parka. 

Right now the water that carves through town is cold, clear and ready for fly fishing. After some rains the rivers have reset and offer miles of pristine fishing opportunities with their tributaries being home to many wild trout. Your best bet is to tie on some fly nymphs and let them sink low to get to the trout that are resting on the bottom; waiting for insects to float downstream. You’ll need waders and boots, but the water is warm enough that you can fish for hours waist deep. If you need any advice, our manager Miles is here to help, so drop them a line with any questions. 

Currently all of the trails in Downieville are snow-free and many of the mountain bike trails will soon be empty of bikers and ready for foot steps instead. Pauley and Lavezzola Creek offer bottomless beauty with creekside picnic spots that can be found in the old mining claim areas. The North Yuba trail spans 12 miles starting in Downieville and ending at the Rocky Rest Campground, and makes for an amazing day hike if you just want to see how far you can go. Make sure to pack your 10 essentials for any hike and beware of Poison Oak if you wander off trail! If you are into foraging, the forest floors have a bounty in the Sierra this time of year. You can find mushrooms, berries, rosehip, nuts, crab apples, cattails, mallow and a plethora of other wild plants- just make sure to consult with professionals and know what you’re picking before you eat it. 

Once Winter hits and the snowpack is deep at higher elevation, the fun can really begin! Just a short drive north on Highway 49 from Downieville, Yuba Pass offers access to endless snowmachine, cross country skiing and snowshoe trails that traverse the Sierra, as long as you invest in your sno-park permit. 

If sports and the outdoors aren’t the reason you come to Downieville, don’t worry, during the Fall and Winter the town is still quiet, quaint, and filled with smiling locals just waiting to spark up conversation. The pizza place will always have food and drinks for all, the bar is warm and open every day, and our rooms are waiting for your next visit. Come stay awhile, and let us show you what Downieville is like when most folks go home for the season.