Just 26 miles north of Nevada City—but a world away in experience—lies Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, home to California’s largest hydraulic mining site and one of the most unique state parks in the Sierra Nevada.
This remarkable park preserves a vital chapter of Gold Rush history, where visitors can witness the awe-inspiring cliffs carved by 19th-century hydraulic mining, a practice once used to extract gold by blasting entire hillsides with powerful streams of water. Spanning more than 3,200 acres and featuring nearly 20 miles of scenic hiking trails, Malakoff Diggins offers an immersive experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Originally home to the Nisenan, the area was dramatically transformed beginning in 1852, when miners discovered gold in nearby Humbug Creek. A French engineer pioneered the use of high-pressure water cannons to uncover gold-laden gravel—removing up to 100,000 cubic yards of earth each day. While effective, this method wreaked environmental havoc, sending sediment downstream, flooding farms, and disrupting waterways as far as San Francisco Bay. By 1883, a court ruling banned hydraulic mining, ending an era that reshaped the landscape.
Left scarred and abandoned, the site underwent a long-term restoration beginning in 1965. The State initiated efforts to rehabilitate the land, transforming the once-devastated area into a thriving park rich with natural beauty and historical significance. Today, the artificial canyon sits in stark contrast to the surrounding forest, offering a view that is at once humbling and unforgettable.
Malakoff Diggins is also home to North Bloomfield, one of California’s most authentic and best-preserved ghost towns. Settled in the early 1850s and originally known as “Humbug” for its lackluster early gold finds, the town was eventually renamed in hopes of attracting more settlers. Like many boomtowns, its heyday was short-lived—but its history lives on.
Visitors are invited to step back in time during the park’s annual Humbug Day celebration, taking place Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This beloved event commemorates the park’s history and features living history, live demonstrations, and engaging activities that bring the story of North Bloomfield and Gold Rush California vividly to life.
Getting There:
From Nevada City, travel 11 miles north on Highway 49 toward Downieville. Turn right onto Tyler Foote Road and follow the yellow line on the pavement all the way to the park. The road changes names several times (Curzon Grade Road, Backbone Road, Derbec Road, and North Bloomfield Road), and while scenic, they are not high-speed routes—so take your time and enjoy the drive.
Whether you come for the history, the hiking, or the celebration, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park offers an unforgettable look at California’s past—and a chance to explore one of its hidden natural treasures.
Entrance fee is $10/vehicle (cash only). Be aware there is very little Wi-Fi and cell reception and no nearby ATM, so please plan accordingly.