Sierra Buttes – Dual Sport Adventure Ride; explores the North Fork of the Yuba River Valley and the spectacular 360-degree views from atop the 8,587 ft Sierra Buttes. This dual sport adventure ride begins in the historic mining town of Downieville which is located on the confluence of the Downie River and the North Fork of the Yuba River. Downieville was settled in 1849 during the California Gold Rush and was first known as “The Fork” for its geographical location and shortly thereafter was renamed after Major William Downie. The North Fork of the Yuba River area is rich in gold rush history and was once populated by a number of gold rush camps with colorful names, places like Whiskey Diggins, Brandy City, Poverty Hill and Poker Flat. While many of these camps entirely disappeared after the gold rush, Downieville, Sierra City and the spectacular Sierra Buttes survived.

Sierra Buttes Lookout Tower: No motorized vehicles are allowed on the summit of the mountain and you must hike about a mile to experience the lookout tower which is located on the summit. From the locked gate your adventure begins on foot for about 1 mile to base of the craggy rocks. From the base of the craggy rocks you can clearly see the lookout tower which is perched atop the highest craggy point, your adventure continues as you climb up a near vertical metal stair case with over 100 steps. There are three staircases, totaling about 60 vertical feet and the upper staircase is suspended over 20 ft above the craggy rocks, with a near 60 ft drop to your right and a breath taking drop over 1,000 feet to your left. From the base of the lookout tower you continue you final ascent up another metal stair case to the viewing deck where a spectacular 360-degree view overlooks the North Fork of the Yuba River Canyon to the west, the Sierra Nevada Crest north and south as far as the eye can see and the gold lakes loop thousands of feet below to the east. The viewing deck is constructed from a metal grate which allows you see directly down below your feet and the north east corner of the viewing deck overhangs the craggy cliff giving you the feeling that you’re standing in mid-air thousands of feet above the rocks below. The Sierra Buttes Lookout Tower offers a truly spectacular experience and is possibly the most spectacular lookout tower in the entire Sierra Nevada.          

Directions, Difficulty & Distance;

Information is available to SNA members under “Resource” (members only) where to Dual Sport Ride.

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