Downieville, CA

Travel Guide

A mountain landscape with dense forest and a hiker in the foreground.
A river flowing through a forested valley with houses on the banks and a mountain in the background.
A mountain biker on a rocky trail surrounded by trees.
A river with a wooden bridge, a red building, and a forested hill.

Travel to Downieville for local history, hiking trails, and captivating mountain landscapes in the surrounding areas.

Downieville is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can explore the Downieville Museum to learn about local history or hike the Downie River Trail for scenic views. For those seeking more adventure, the Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails offer excellent hiking opportunities. Nearby, you can also visit the Underground Gold Miners Museum and enjoy the mountain landscapes of Red Dog, which is popular for outdoor activities.

Take time to wander the nearby areas of Alleghany and Goodyears Bar, both known for their outdoor scenery experiences. Another nearby area, Forest, is recognized for its adventure opportunities. Each of these places provides unique access to the natural beauty of the region, making them worth a visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors.

The best time to visit Downieville is from June to September when the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 62 to 70°F, mostly dry, and often sunny. While demand remains steady throughout the year, it tends to be a little busier from July to September. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in November to January, as these months are less crowded. The wetter months, from December to March, often bring more rainfall, which may affect outdoor plans.

Best View in Downieville! Close to Town, trails and river.

Best View in Downieville! Close to Town, trails and river.

Downieville CA
$127 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$127 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this apartment in Downieville. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails and Downieville ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"Great little property at the top of a very steep hill! Awesome views, very quiet and cozy."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2026

Best View in Downieville! Close to Town, trails and river.
Sierra Woods Lodge

Sierra Woods Lodge

2 out of 5
43440 Laing Rd Emigrant Gap CA
$117 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Dec 15 to Dec 16
$127 total
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Emigrant Gap. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (315 reviews)
"It is the cutest, coziest little perfect place to stay in the middle of nowhere amongst so much beauty and nature."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2026

Sierra Woods Lodge
The Inn at Nakoma

The Inn at Nakoma

4 out of 5
41 Village Trail Clio CA
$197 nightly
The price is $212 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$212 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Clio. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
The Inn at Nakoma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Best View in Downieville! Close to Town, trails and river.

Best View in Downieville! Close to Town, trails and river.

Downieville CA
Stay at this apartment in Downieville. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails and Downieville ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"Great little property at the top of a very steep hill! Awesome views, very quiet and cozy."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2026

Best View in Downieville! Close to Town, trails and river.
Yuba River Inn

Yuba River Inn

3 out of 5
510 Main Street Sierra City CA
Stay at this cabin in Sierra City. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and conference space. Popular attractions Kentucky Mine Museum and Loves Falls are ...
Yuba River Inn
Lakefront Lodge w/Dock, Wood Fireplace, Kayaks & Modern Kitchen

Lakefront Lodge w/Dock, Wood Fireplace, Kayaks & Modern Kitchen

Nevada City CA
Stay at this cabin in Nevada City. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Nevada City Firehouse No. 2 and Off ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again, it was a great & wonderful experience. We had such a fun time. Wish we would’ve stayed longer."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2026

Lakefront Lodge w/Dock, Wood Fireplace, Kayaks & Modern Kitchen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Downieville attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Downieville worth visiting?
Downieville is worth visiting for its exciting outdoor adventures, offering experiences like the renowned Downieville Downhill for thrill-seekers and the beautiful Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails for hiking. Travelers can also find local grocers for convenient self-catering options.
When is the best time to visit Downieville?
The best time to visit Downieville is from July through September, when the weather is typically pleasant and it's most popular with travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through January offer a different experience with cooler weather.
What is Downieville known for?
Downieville is known for The Downieville Downhill and the Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails, offering travelers opportunities for outdoor exploration. The destination also features the Downieville Museum, where travelers can learn about the area's past.
What is a good itinerary length for Downieville?
A good itinerary length for Downieville is one to two days to experience highlights like The Downieville Downhill, Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails, and the Downieville Museum. An extended stay of three to four days allows travelers more time to explore the trails, delve deeper into the local history, and enjoy the area at a relaxed pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Downieville?
Downieville offers outdoor adventures and a glimpse into local history:


How do I plan a trip to Downieville?
To plan your Downieville trip, book flights and a rental car early. Search for places to stay on Expedia and consider activities like The Downieville Downhill, Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails, and the Downieville Museum. Always pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility to ensure a smooth visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Downieville?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Downieville by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Downieville with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Downieville trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Downieville?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Downieville can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Downieville trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Downieville trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Downieville trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Downieville trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Downieville?
If it's your first trip to Downieville, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Downieville hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Downieville hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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