South Yuba River State Park

Geography

Park features

• beauty of: the wild and scenic Yuba River pouring over massive granite ledges and along calm riparian meanders; and of diverse natural areas, with walking, hiking, mountain biking, and byway roadside access.
• natural history about the park's diverse: geology and granite rock formations; natural flora, forests, and wildflowers; and animals including birdwatching.
• historical gold mining connections and Gold Rush sites, with gold panning demonstrations. The area became an immigration destination during the 1849—early 1850s California Gold Rush.
• a number of 19th century bridges built along the length of this South Fork's section, including the 1862 Bridgeport Covered Bridge and 1865 Purdon Crossing bridge.
• The Independence Trail hiking and wheelchair - accessible nature trail.
• natural swimming holes, popular as summer temperatures in the surrounding communities reach triple digits.