MALAKOFF DIGGINS STATE HISTORIC PARK
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is the site of California's largest "hydraulic" mine. Visitors can see huge cliffs carved by mighty streams of water, results of the gold mining technique of washing away entire mountains to find the precious metal. Legal battles between mine owners and downstream farmers ended this method. The park also contains a 7,847 foot bedrock tunnel that served as a drain. The visitor center has exhibits on life in the old mining town of North Bloomfield.
Established in 1965, the park located near Nevada City, California is famous for its historical significance related to gold mining. It was named after Malakoff Diggins which was a large hydraulic mine during the Gold Rush era of mid-19th century. The site became infamous due to environmental damage caused by hydraulic mining leading to America's first legal restraint against this method in 1884.
The ghost town of North Bloomfield found within the park boundaries provides visitors with an insight into life during that period. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction offering camping facilities and hiking trails while preserving important aspects of Californian history.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is located near Grass Valley, Nevada City
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park in California offers several picnicking options for visitors. The park has designated picnic areas with tables and grills where you can enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty of the area. These spots are perfect for family outings or group gatherings, providing ample space to relax and dine outdoors. Some sites even offer stunning views of scenic landscapes like forests, cliffs, or historic mining structures that make your experience more enjoyable. Remember to pack out what you bring in as there may not be trash facilities available at every site.
1. Diggins Loop Trail: This 3-mile trail is the most popular in Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, offering a comprehensive view of the historic hydraulic mining pit and its surrounding landscapes.
2. Rim Trail: A moderate level hiking path that runs along the rim of an old mining site for about 4 miles with panoramic views over diggings area and forested hillsides.
3. Blair Lake Pathway: An easy to moderately difficult hike leading you through lush greenery towards Blair Lake; it's approximately two miles long one-way trip from park headquarters.
4. North Bloomfield Town Site Walks: These are short walks around this preserved Gold Rush town which includes several historical buildings like churches, schoolhouse etc., providing insights into California's gold:mining history.
5. Humbug Creek Falls Hike: It is a challenging but rewarding trek down steep slopes to reach these beautiful falls on Humbug creek within dense forests covering roughly three:quarters mile round-trip distance.
6. Chute Hill Campground Trails: Several trails originate or pass by Chute hill campground including ones going up to scenic overlook points as well as connecting other parts of state park making them ideal base camp hikes.
7. Missouri Bar Trail: This strenuous five:mile loop takes hikers across rugged terrain featuring remnants from past mining operations giving unique perspective into region's rich history.
8. Hiller Tunnel & Cemetery Route: Short half:a-mile walk leads visitors both above ground cemetery where miners were buried during Gold rush era and below surface via tunnel dug out by miners themselves.
9. Badger Hill Road Track: Easy walking route following former road used during peak days of hydraulic mine operation stretching little more than mile each way.
10. South Yuba River Canyon Viewpoint Trek: Moderate difficulty pathway taking hikers downhill all way till South Yuba river canyon floor while also passing multiple viewpoints overlooking stunning vistas.
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 100 species recorded. It is home to birds like the Pileated Woodpecker and Northern Pygmy Owl that can be spotted in its mixed coniferous forest. The Blair Lake area within the park provides opportunities for waterfowl observation while Humbug Creek attracts riparian-loving species such as American Dippers and Belted Kingfishers. Birdwatchers may also spot raptors including Red-tailed Hawks or Golden Eagles soaring above open areas.
From Nevada City, travel 11-miles north on highway-49 toward Downieville. North Bloomfield Road is not recommended. Turn right on Tyler Foote Rd. turnoff from Highway 49 and follow the main paved road to the park.The main road changes names a few times (Cruzon Grade Road, Back Bone Road, Derbec Road, North Bloomfield Road). You will stay on paved roads all the way to the park. These are not high-speed roads. The park is 26-miles (50 min drive time) from Nevada City.
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