Explore the center of Gold Rush history at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. It is nestled in the pine-studded Sierra Nevada foothills. The park is located 26 miles northeast of Nevada City, California. Spanning over 3,000 acres, this park preserves the largest hydraulic gold mine in California—a dramatic testament to environmental change and pioneering spirit.
What Makes Malakoff Diggins Unique
Here history carved the landscape—hydraulic mining blasted entire hillsides, creating a 700‑foot–deep mining canyon and bedrock tunnels. The site sparked America’s first environmental legislation in 1884. Today, the rugged diggings contrast with waxed forest regrowth, historic buildings and interpretive exhibits—set amid trails, cabins and campsites. This living chronicle of boom-and-bust mining offers a profound lesson and visual spectacle.
Top Activities & Amenities
? Visitor Center & Interpretive Exhibits
Open daily Memorial Day through October and fewer hours off-season, the center features displays on mining techniques, pioneer life and North Bloomfield’s boom-town era. Catch the short hydraulic-mining video and examine artifacts in the museum.
?️ Hiking & Historic Trails
Over 20 miles of trails range from easy town loops to steep Rim Trail vistas overlooking the mining canyon. Diggins Loop Trail delivers sweeping rim views; Humbug Creek Trail offers shade and creekside cool. Informational signs mark tunnels and town ruins.
? Historical Tours & Gold Panning
Join free guided town tours every Saturday year-round—explore restored buildings like the general store, church and saloon. Park rangers lead gold panning demos and hydraulic mining site walks along the pit rim.
?️ Camping, Cabins & Group Picnic Areas
Chute Hill Campground offers 30 shaded sites, picnic tables, fire rings, bear lockers, flush toilets and drinking water. RVs up to 24 feet and group sites (9–40 people) available. In-town cabins—three rustic miner’s quarters—provide cozy stays with wood stoves and communal amenities.
? Swimming, Fishing & Wildlife Observation
Cool off at Blair Lake or swim in the Yuba River. Anglers can fish for bass, bluegill and trout. Wildlife viewers may spot deer, raccoons, hawks, owls and warblers along wooded trails.
? Educational Programs & Group Tours
School programs bring history to life with scavenger hunts, museum activities and staff-led hikes. Monthly ranger walks focus on mining history and local ecology—perfect for adults and youth groups.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Hours: Day-use fees $5 (off-season) to $10 (summer). Visitor center open 10–6 (Memorial Day–Labor Day), then 10–4 through October.
- Parking & Access: Gravel lot near visitor center fits cars and small trailers. Steep drive is fully paved but narrow; RVs longer than 24 ft may struggle.
- Pets: Leashed dogs welcome in campground and town areas; indoor facilities and trails are off-limits.
- Camping Reservations: Book the campground and cabins via ReserveCalifornia; group areas require advance coordination.
- Trail Conditions: Trails range from easy to strenuous—bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Elevation gain on Rim and Humbug Creek trails can be moderate.
- Swimming & Fishing: No lifeguards. California fishing license required for river and Blair Lake.
- Facilities: Campground includes flush toilets and drinking water; visitor center has restrooms and small gift shop. No showers.
- Wildlife Safety: Bears and mountain lions are rare but possible—secure food and follow campground rules.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in late spring when wildflowers bloom amid reforested mine slopes and the visitor center opens for summer hours. Saturdays are ideal—reserve a morning cabin stay, join the historic town tour, then wander Diggins Loop Trail in golden afternoon light. Don’t miss scoping the massive hydraulic canyon from the rim at sunset—its terracotta cliffs glow against the forest silhouette. A secret delight: park near the visitor center and walk through North Bloomfield at twilight—ghost-town echoes and creaking doors create a spine-tingling hushed atmosphere only dawn or dusk can deliver.