Yuba County: Nature, Rivers, and Gold Rush History

Landscape and Activities

In the east and north of Yuba County, the landscape gives way to foothills and open spaces. Spenceville Wildlife Area covers approximately 11,900 acres of blue oak and gray pine forests, as well as riparian woodland. The acreage is approximate; the habitats listed illustrate the diversity of the landscape.

Fishing and hiking are possible at Spenceville Wildlife Area; there are bridle trails for horseback riding, as well as designated bike trails. This offers a range of activities: fishing, walking the trails, horseback riding, and cycling. The Yuba Goldfields Trail provides another concrete point of reference for planning: it is a three-mile round-trip route. The distance refers to the entire round trip.

Rivers and Marysville

Marysville in Yuba County lies at the confluence of the Feather River and the Yuba River. Ellis Lake formed from an oxbow on the Yuba River. These offer two different ways to experience the river landscape: a confluence and a lake formed from a former river channel.

Gold Rush History and Museums

The Bok Kai Temple is the only known temple in the United States dedicated to Bok Kai. The original Bok Kai Temple in Marysville was built in 1854. Marysville Chinatown is the last Chinatown dating from the Gold Rush era; several landmarks from that period also remain in downtown Marysville. The Chinese American Museum of Northern California is housed in an original Gold Rush building dating to 1858. Together, the temple, Chinatown, and preserved buildings offer different ways to explore the region’s history.

The Yuba Feather Museum’s exhibits cover Maidu and Chinese immigrant artifacts, gold mining, the timber industry, as well as early skis and snowshoes. The topics range from cultural history to work and industry, as well as equipment for winter. The Mary Aaron Museum preserves local artifacts and offers another point of interest for those interested in regional history.

Wheatland also offers historical points of interest: Durst Hop Ranch was the site of one of the first labor disturbances in California history. The Little Red Schoolhouse is located in Wheatland at 111 Main Street. Admission is free; check current visiting conditions before your visit.

Tours, Events, and Seasonal Offerings

Gold Trader Flat offers free guided tours of its replica town. Dates may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the current schedule before your visit. The annual Bok Kai Parade takes place in historic downtown Marysville; dates and programming may change. If you’d like to plan your trip around the parade, check the current dates. The Marysville Stampede began in 1933.

Marysville Raceway hosts Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Hobby Stocks races on a quarter-mile clay oval track. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm offers a corn maze and a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins. These activities are seasonal, and schedules may change. Check the current dates before visiting.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Oregon House, Camptonville, Butte, Alpine County, Orange, Sierra County, Tuolumne, San Benito.

For the main travel overview: California.