Native Americans

Historic Sites

Cultural History

Kneebone Family Cemetery

Bridges

Henness Pass Road

Trails

The Ditches of Bridgeport

General Recreation

Interpretive Programs

Plant And Animal Life

Wildflowers

Tips

Become a Docent

Park open every day of year, except Christmas and New Years. The Visitor Center is located at 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd., Penn Valley; (530) 432-2546. Hours: noon to 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; noon to 4:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday rest of year.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge

The land today known as the South Yuba River Canyon is now the center piece of a new State Park called the South Yuba River State Park.The South Yuba River State Park is unique in the California State Park System: along the South Yuba River canyon from Englebright Reservoir below Bridgeport into the Tahoe National Forest, it is a 20 mile patchwork of lands under several jurisdictions.

Historically, this area is a treasure trove. Trails, scenic vistas of fast water boiling over massive granite ledges, historic toll crossings and bridges all tell a story of day-to-day life during the Gold Rush era. California State Parks own some 2000 acres along the South Yuba River, and approximately 9000 acres are under federal jurisdiction. Much of the remaining land along this part of the river is under private ownership. It is important to respect the rights of these property owners.

The park has become a mecca for thousands of visitors each year, including summer swimmers that flock to such places as the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, the main swim hole, cemetery beach, Jones Bar, 49 Bridge, Hoyt's Crossing, Purdon Crossing or the Independence Trail all to enjoy the sun, the fun and the great outdoors (an estimated 650,000 visitors a year in fact).

Along this 20-mile portion of the south fork of the Yuba River, visitors may pan for gold, or explore the trails leading to such historic mining sites as the Miner's Tunnel or Jones Bar. Hikers have a choice ranging in difficulty from the South Yuba Independence Trail--the first identified wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail in the country--to other more strenuous trails.

In the rough-and-tumble days of the Gold Rush period, a miner might put his life in jeopardy by stepping over the line between his claim and the next one. Today, though, we are free to explore, fish, swim and peacefully enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Access to some features of the South Yuba River Project may be limited.

Visitors are advised to inquire concerning difficulty of passage before setting out on a trail leading to some historic sites.

With the aid of dedicated park professionals, docents and volunteers (many of which come great distances) acting as park interpreters giving wildflower walks, trail volunteers greeting the public, staffing the park visitor center, gold panning docents giving demonstrations or covered bridge talks, doing historical research, or by participating in living history programs such as "The Ghosts of Bridgeport," The full story of the exciting history past and present can now be told. come and learn the importance of the South Yuba river basin and its significance to western development cultural and natural history.

Bridge and Local History: Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Gold Panning Demonstrations: Saturdays and Sundays. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check time.

Bird Walks: Fall and Spring. Call for dates and times.

Ghosts of Bridgeport Pageant: Close to Halloween each year.

Wildflower Walks: Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. mid March through May.

Related Links

City Parks in this area

Recreation in this area

History Page