Bassett’s Station Motel in Sierra City sits right where Scenic Byway 49 meets Gold Lake Road, making it a convenient base if you’re planning to explore the Gold Country region with your dog. The location puts you close to the Yuba River and the Lakes Basin Recreational Area, both excellent for getting outside and moving around with your dog after being on the road.

The motel operates year-round and welcomes dogs in its rooms. They offer various room types, including pet-friendly units where your dog will have a comfortable place to rest after hiking or exploring. The outdoor patio gives you a spot to sit with your dog in the evening, and there’s access to walks by the river if you want to stretch out before heading to bed.

Sierra City itself has that Gold Rush-era character you’d expect from this part of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The town is small enough to walk around easily with your dog, and the streets are quiet compared to busier California towns. You’ll see historic buildings and get a sense of what the area was like during mining days, though honestly there’s not much in the way of dog-specific attractions in town itself.

What really makes this location work is the surrounding terrain. The area has plenty of dog-friendly trails through the Sierra Nevada, and the combination of river access and proximity to the Lakes Basin means you have options whether you want a challenging hike or just a riverside walk. Fishing is popular in the Yuba River if that’s your thing, though your dog will mainly be along for the scenery.

Call ahead to confirm the current pet policy and any details about which rooms are set up for dogs, since motel policies can change seasonally or based on availability.