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P L U M A S - E U R E K A S TAT E PA R K
a historic park
➸ Join in the fun at Gold Discovery Days. ➸ Take a docent-led historic walk on old mining roads.
Suzi Brakken
4/3/12
Plumas-Eureka State Park
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➸ Explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits. ➸ Learn about nature on Junior Ranger programs and campfire talks. ➸ Experience the zany fun at the Longboard Ski Races in Jan., Feb. and March.
BEST BETS
➸ Go sledding or backcountry skiing. ➸ Look for black bear, mink, mountain beaver, goshawks, and bald eagles. More Info: (530) 836-2380
One of the largest remaining stamp mills in the American West is the Mohawk Stamp Mill, which once processed millions of dollars in gold. The campground and museum complex at Plumas-Eureka State Park will be open for the 2012 season. Perhaps the best kept secret within California State Parks, Plumas-Eureka State Park is steeped in history and is rich with recreation and natural resources. Located five miles west of Graeagle on Johnsville Road (County Road A-14), the 4,500-acre park is located at the foot of Eureka Peak (originally called Gold Mountain), which produced some $25 million in gold from hardrock mining during the 1800s. The park features un-matched landscapes, a myriad of hiking trails leading to four lakes, and a 67-site campground set along Jamison Creek underneath towering pines. Be sure to visit the park’s indoor-outdoor museum, which includes early gold mining equipment and relics, a complete blacksmith shop, a partially restored stamp mill, and a restored miner’s home. You can also peer inside the entrance to the Eureka Tunnel and see the old timbers. The park surrounds the historic former mining community of Johnsville. At an elevation of 4,720 to 7,447 feet, it has an abundance of plant and animal life. Interpretive events such as campfire programs, nature walks and history and mining tours are offered during the summer season. Supervised gold panning is offered. Park docents in period attire re-create a miner’s lifestyle during Gold Discovery Days. Blacksmith demonstrations, mining lore and home tours help take visitors back to the 1890s. A pancake breakfast is also part of the fun.
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In the wintertime, the park is transformed into a winter paradise. Visitors can drive the well-cleared roads to enjoy the various cross-country ski loops, including the 2.5-mile groomed Jamison Canyon Ski Trail that starts or ends at the museum. Or, follow the road until it ends at Eureka Bowl to access more backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and a popular sledding area. The historic Eureka Ski Bowl is near the site of the first recorded downhill ski races in North America. It no longer operates as a ski area, but stages the Historic Longboard Ski Revival Series races organized by the Plumas Ski Club in January, February and March. Ranger-led snowshoe nature hikes also are offered during the winter on weekends. The museum has limited hours during winter. Museum admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated. The park has consistently attracted an extremely loyal following among its long-time campers and it has a strongly committed volunteer corps. The Plumas Eureka State Park Association relies heavily on donations for funding. Park campground fees are $35 per site and are now available by reservation. Call 1-800-444-7275 or reserve online at www.reserveamerica.com. Reservations are recommended from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. For more information, call the park at (530) 836-2380 or visit the website at www.parks.ca.gov or www.plumas-eureka.org.
2012 - 2013 PLUMAS COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE