Yuba Donner Scenic Byway Overview

South Yuba River (CA) [1]

Circling 170 miles of California State Highways 89, 49, and 20 and Interstate 80, Yuba Donner Scenic Byway weaves through the Tahoe National Forest and travels through history commemorating the ill-fated Donner Party and other '49ers who forged mountainous wilderness in search of gold, land, and other treasures.

Situated among rugged mountains and gentle valleys, small immaculate lakes cover the landscape, offering astonishing views of woodlands full of pines, firs, junipers, and oaks. The Tahoe National Forest is celebrated for its exceptional downhill and cross-country skiing. Millions of visitors come to Tahoe to camp, hunt, and sightsee. Quiet and industrious fishing opportunities are available on any of the tranquil lakes or the ever-popular Lake Tahoe. Rafters encounter raging rapids on the Truckee and North Fork American Rivers. Hikers and backpackers trek over moderate or challenging trails, such as Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Tahoe National Forest has an abundant amount of recreational possibilities everyone can enjoy.

Yuba Donner journeys along some of California's most historical land. Stop in Nevada City, on the west side of the byway, to visit the Nevada Theater, the oldest operating theater in the state. Also in Nevada City is The National, California's oldest operating hotel. Be sure to stop in Downieville, also on the west side of they byway. Downieville is said to be the least changed of all the Gold Rush towns. Tourists travel back to the late 1800s just by walking down Downieville's wooden boardwalks on Main Street. On the Yuba Donner travelers can try their luck at gold panning along the Yuba and Downie Rivers and at any of the Forest Service campgrounds and picnic areas. Tahoe National Forest commemorates the unfortunate Donner Party at the Donner Camp Historic Picnic Site and Donner State Park.

Yuba Donner Scenic Byway takes you into the heart of the Sierra Nevada high country. Its recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and history soaked in Gold Rush and pioneering heritage make this byway a popular destination.