Like to fish, hike, get away from it all, and maybe cook some of your own meals? Plan a spring getaway to Downieville, a historic community set amidst some of the most gorgeous scenery in the North State. You’ll beat the summer rush and revel in peaceful, scenic surroundings, often with the soothing sound of the North Yuba River as a backdrop.
The rustic, Gold Rush-era town of Downieville (“Queen of the Northern Mines”) is the center of the mountain-biking universe in this neck of the woods, but there’s little Spandex to be seen in the winter/spring off-season. Make a reservation at Sierra Streamside Cabins, and you’ll sleep to the sound of Yuba-River white noise generated right outside the window. Relax, fish, explore the laid-back towns of Downieville and Sierra City (both five miles away), or head up to the Sierra Buttes for some awesome hiking. Cabins range from the diminutive Small Log Cabin to the five-bedroom Big House, which can accommodate a crowd. All have a full kitchen and private bath. Spend the money you’ll save by not paying extra for your dog (the pet deposit is fully refundable so long as your pup doesn’t eat the furnishings) on a guided fishing tour.
The river access alone makes this area special for dogs. The North Yuba runs right past many of the cabin properties, and in spring and early summer the water is cold but swimmable in the calmer pools. Dogs who love to fetch sticks from the water will be in heaven, and the rocky banks provide endless sniffing opportunities. Just keep an eye on water levels — the Yuba can run high and fast during spring snowmelt, so stick to the slower side channels with your pup until conditions mellow out.
Just a mile from downtown Downieville, The Lure Resort offers a variety of pet-friendly accommodations strung out along the river. Choices range from fully furnished vacation homes and upscale housekeeping cabins (you do the housekeeping) to log “camping cabins” that are basically wooden tents with bunk beds (you bring the linens, camp stove, etc.).
Sierra County and neighboring Plumas County have long been summer recreation meccas, and many of their cabin and cottage lodgings go way back. Among those that are pet-friendly are Yuba River Inn, just outside Sierra City; Kokanee Kabins in Loganville; Canyon Ranch Resort in Sierraville; Packer Lake Lodge outside Sierra City and Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch in Quincy. Be forewarned that a great deal of persistence may be required to secure a reservation at these and other Sierra and Plumas County cabin properties as previous guests have dibs on reserving a year in advance. We’d bet a bag of premium dog food that you, too, might join their ranks after discovering a premium destination overlooked by the Tahoe crowd.
Photo Credit: snot_posse (CC)
