Unplug and Recharge at Sierra Pines Resort: A Springtime Escape in the Sierra Nevada (2024)

Oh, that sound! It is the sound of youthful exuberance that rushes through the canyon as snowmelt cascades and streams into the Yuba, announcing spring with abundant energy. The sound both allured me to sleep last night and invited me to explore and enjoy this morning as we woke at Sierra Pines Resort in Sierra City, California. As luck would have it, we are the first guests to enjoy the opening of the river-view cottage-style rooms for 2024, and a trip that was already filled with the promise of adventure was awakened with such a great appreciation of the solitude and opportunity that lay before us.

We drove in yesterday from our home in Minden, a short two-hour drive into the Northern Sierra onto Highway 70, 89 and 49 up and over the Yuba pass. The snow is still abundant near the peak of the pass, and as we pass by the Yuba Snow Recreation Park, how happy I am to have thrown in the snowshoes for this trip. Reaching Bassett Station, I was excited to see that the Gold Lakes Highway had been plowed up the route approximately 4 miles and access to Sardine Lakes and the Salmon River adding options for the trip I was not confident to have before I left.

Wendy and Dakota are patient with me as I quickly dart up the road and into the parking areas at Sardine Lake; the fact that the parking area at the resort was plowed meant options to get around the Lake to Upper Sardine existed for tomorrow’s adventures. Our Stay at Sierra Pines resort is just 5 miles down the canyon on Highway 49, so this entire region near the Bassetts is completely accessible here in early May.

Loves Falls

After exploring the options on Gold Lake Highway, we continued down the canyon to the PCT crossing on Highway 49 for a brisk walk to one of the region’s most iconic Waterfalls: Loves Falls. Parking across the street for the PCT pull-off, we eagerly followed the trail back across the ridge. Signs informed us that the bridge over the river was closed to traffic, redirecting PCT travelers through the Wild Plum recreation area. The river, brimming with spring exuberance, roared to life below the ridge we traversed.

As we approached the falls, it became evident of a human traffic trail that leads you down closer to the river rocks and a clear photo opportunity of Loves Falls and the PCT bridge that crosses the gorge. It is places like this where I wish I was more professional in my photography skill sets, but I am satisfied with the opportunity to capture and share with those who do not know.

In a beautiful setting, the waterfall is roaring with life and danger as the river runs high in the spring. A couple who comes in behind us on the trail tells me tales of kayakers already trying to run the river. That risk seems abundant as the river has multiple plunges in this stretch that would seem to have the very real possibility of death.

Sierra Pines Resort in Sierra City, California

As you travel Highway 49 in the Sierra, visitors are often introduced to small hamlet towns that are perched in deep canyons, generally next to a river and where the road is still just feet away from the front doors of both small businesses and front doors. Sierra City, and its rich mining, farming and commerce history, is either the first or the last small town along Highway 49 that travelers experience based on the direction of travel.

Sierra Pines Resort is unique in that its property is divided by the highway near the edge of town. It is home to many family stories and traditions and is our home base for this week’s vacation and adventure outings. It is well known for its family-friendly atmosphere, including the beautiful fishing pond, fine dining restaurant and bar, and a beautiful open meadow where you can find live entertainment, family gatherings and early morning wildlife in the summer. Upon first visit, it is easy not to know the rest of the beautiful setting that is in store as 20 rooms are laid out along the ridge in various layers that allow visitors to see the Yuba river below and access through a maintained walking road that leaves the cabins and takes visitors riverside for an abundant space to relax, explore and fish.

Vacation – Relax, Recharge, Disconnect

Wendy and I travel to different parts of the Sierra every spring to relax and recharge. She works for our Church, and the Christmas to Easter season is such an extensive undertaking that we find that we need a short escape from everyday life not only for our own health and sanity but also for our marriage.

Each year, we try somewhere new, but the objective is the same: Find a comfortable, out-of-the-way place where we can bring the Dog. She can relax and disconnect from the calendar, routine, and overstimulation of social connection. I get to leave behind the chores of daily life, take a few days where I can explore freely with the pup, take care of Wendy’s needs and enjoy a relaxed laugh or two with her as she awakens from the sharp focus she puts into her work and daily routine. And Dakota gets to get in the car and go for a new adventure, it is her love language.

Sierra Pines Resort was the perfect place for us. The limited Wi-Fi and phone connection meant we had to unplug and relax. The rooms are spacious, and the views we received staying in the riverside cabins were second to none in our experiences in the Sierra Nevada. Sierra Pines has a stunning waterfall that runs 365 days a year straight across from the resort, and our room was directly in front of the fall.

Day Two – Exploring the PCT, Sardine Lakes and lovely family dinner with my folks.

A morning walk from our room down to the exuberant Yuba River was filled with the sounds of birds making music louder than the roar of passing water. The wildflowers are blooming, and Dakota is bewildered by all the smells of the creatures that may have been out last night. It would be easy to hang the hammock and stay here today, but that is not me. After a short discussion with Wendy, we agreed that Dakota and I would venture out and explore the PCT while she devoured a book and spent a relaxing morning at the cabin. We would meet up and explore Sardine Lakes together before meeting up with my parents later in the day, who were driving in from Modesto for a one-night stay with us before heading back to Oregon.

The Wild Plum Recreation Area is located just East of Sierra City and is a short 1-mile drive off Highway 49 to the south. It is located at the junction of three river creeks. The road crosses the Yuba and Haypress Creek junction, and further up the canyon, Milton Creek Pours into Haypress. Wild Plum trail connects with the PCT and has various loops that will connect you around the canyons; plus, it has a great riverside Campground with numerous lots big enough for an RV or trailer. I was here before and had done a half loop in the canyon with my friend Tom, so Dakota and I wanted to explore the Milton Creek trail region and the rest of the canyon PCT experience today. Walking through the Campground located on the Southside of Haypress Creek, we climbed up a locked 4×4 logging/ mining road (Wild Plum Road), the canyon, crossing several seasonal springs until we reached the Milton Creek crossing.

Just past Milton Creek, we found an old, mangled sign and a trail with no name that seemed to travel the way I hoped. Not sure if it was the PCT and tired of walking a road, we decided to follow the trail into the woods. A short distance later, I missed a switch back and found myself on one of the most stunning overlook locations that showcased the Buttes and the valley so well. If our journey ended here, I would have still considered it a great experience to share because of this viewpoint. As we backtracked, I found the switchback and continued along the needle-covered trail. To my surprise and delight, it came along the creek to the PCT and a bridge over the river gorge just below a stunning set of cascades on Haypress Creek. Back on the PCT we traveled Northbound 1.25 miles to another unnamed creek crossing just before the Wild Plum trail that exits the PCT down back to the Campground and parking area. We walked 3.5 miles and enjoyed a few hundred feet of elevation change. But the trail is filled with spectacular water features, scenic vistas and a delightful wooded trail experience.

Gold Lake Highway and Sardine Lakes

Back at the cabins, Wendy was dressed and ready to explore. So, a quick snack and a few details later, we loaded up again for the 8-mile travel up to Sardine Lakes. A beautiful bluebird day with a slight wind in the canyon gave us hope for a lovely day at the Lake from our base camp at Sierra Pines Resort. Stopping quickly at Big Springs Waterfall, a stunning roadside natural spring that pours out of the rocks along the Roadside, we took a quick picture and read the dedication plaque before heading up to the Gold Lakes turn-off.

Sardine Lakes are some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Sierra. Draped to the West by the Sierra Buttes (Currently Still Covered in Snow), The Parking area has bathrooms, a short scenic walking path area around Sand Pond, a 4×4 excursion road along the North rim of Lower Sardine Lake that traverses up to Upper Sardine Lake. I have been here before and hiked a trail that starts a little further by the Campground and climbs above the lakes to the Sierra Buttes Lookout region. It is another stunning vantage point and easy trail to follow as it gradually climbs the first several miles toward the buttes.

Today, the wind was a bit chilly as it screamed off the butte into the lake valley. Lower Sardine is Thawed and stunning, but poor Wendy froze a bit walking in the sunshine along the North Shore as we traveled up to Upper Sardine Lake. It still had plenty of Snow and a frozen layer over the Lake that would likely take another week or two to thaw. Still, the walk and adventure were worth it, and we enjoyed our time together, taking in the beautiful area and stopping to enjoy our packed picnic lunch at Lower Sardine before heading back to the resort to meet up with the parents.

Enjoying Resort life with Loved Ones

When I was first introduced to Sierra Pines Resort, I was told stories of the long legacy of families that come back to the resort generation after generation. Enjoying the large fishing pond, the relaxed nature of the location and the many outdoor opportunities available for recreation, plus the comfortable stay and great food. So when it was decided that Mom and Dad would be traveling in the area I was excited that they could book a room at the resort as well and to be able to enjoy this escape with them for the evening. When I was younger Dad used to dredge and pan the Yuba River with all the Gold miners. We camped further down the river with my babies and spent many an afternoon in wetsuits looking for the treasures of the Yuba. But time moves on, and Mom and Dad, now in their 70’s, enjoy a simpler and quieter lifestyle.

We arrived back at the resort as they checked in so we could help them unload and settle in the room next to ours along the river. The Cabin structure of Sierra Pines has 3-4 rooms with doors on the Roadside of the resort, and each room has Patio access to a deck that faces the river. The patios are separated by a wood wall for privacy but also have latch access to open them up in some cases so that families can combine space and share the balcony. So after a quick walk down to the river, taking photos and admiring the river’s powerful flow, it was not surprising that we found ourselves relaxing from the balcony, listening to the Yuba roar by, the birds singing in the trees, and enjoying a good catch-up conversation.

A few hours later, we met up with the owners, Cindy and Glen and shared a delicious homemade family-style meal in the restaurant. We enjoyed shrimp pasta, salad, and white wine with dinner as we talked about the area’s history, the old family legacy that existed with Sierra Pines resort and the barn full of antiques they still have in the building next door. After a delightful dinner and conversation, it was time to feed the fish in the pond and marvel at the size of the Trout swimming around in the well-stocked fishing pond at Sierra Pines Resort.

No License, No Limit & No Throwing Back

Twenty-five cents gets you a handful of fish pellets that the swarm of fish loves to attack from all angles of the pond; in the Summer season, the pond is stocked, and visitors can fish here. The sign says No License, No Limit and No Throwing Back. The rules are simple: catch a monster trout at Sierra Pines, and they will even clean it, package it for you and keep it until you leave. But you must keep every fish you catch. The catch? You pay based on the length of the fish you catch.

More time, please!

After a night of talking on the balcony and a second night of being lulled to sleep by the river’s rushing white noise, our time at the resort would conclude the next morning—another beautiful day here in Sierra Pines. Dad and I enjoyed breakfast on the balcony, talking about this old car collection he is working on restoring and my plans for other trips this summer in the Sierra. Time together nowadays is slower and so enjoyable.

We decided a slow morning was welcomed and that a short drive over Yuba Pass to Davis Lake in Portola for lunch was in order before saying goodbye again for several months.

Unplugged, relaxed and scenic serenity were just what the doctor ordered for us on this trip. Wendy devoured a book and a half, Dakota ran herself to exhaustion, and I got to visit new beautiful places, see my folks and build another lasting memory in the Sierra. I never once worried about what I was missing on my apps, email, or computers. We will return to Sierra Pines Resort; maybe next time, we will bring the kids and start our own family legacy of Sierra City getaways.

FAQ:

Where is Sierra City

Sierra City is located in Sierra County, California, within the Gold Country of the Yuba river. Here’s how to get there:

• Take Highway 89 north from Truckee until you reach Highway 49.
• Turn onto Highway 49 and continue northwest for about an hour. Highway 49 becomes Main Street as you enter Sierra City. (Sierra Pines Resort is at the far West side of Town)

Alternatively, you can also get there from other parts of California:

• From the Bay Area or Sacramento: Take I-80 east to Auburn, then Highway 49 north through Grass Valley.
• From Reno: Take 395 North to Hallelujah Junction (Highway 70) Take 70 West to Beckworth Calpine Rd south just before Portola California. Road connects to the 89/49 turn Right and follow 49 route to Sierra City.

During winter, it’s recommended to check road conditions with Caltrans at 1-800-427-7623 before you travel, especially if you’re not driving a high clearance vehicle.

Is Sierra Pines Pet Friendly

Sierra Pines is a pet-friendly property. We do have a pet fee of $30/pet/stay. Please keep your pets on a leash and do not leave them unattended in the rooms. The meadow is a good place to run your animals — enjoy! Please clean up after your animals no matter where they are.

What is the history of Sierra City California?

Sierra City began as a gold rush town in 1850, rebuilt after an avalanche, and thrived due to the Sierra Buttes Mine for over 80 years. Today it is a haven for outdoor recreationalists and a small communities of locals serving tourists.

What are the dining options at Sierra Pines Resort?

Sierra Pines Resort’s restaurant offers fine dining with local ingredients (think Angus Beef & fresh trout!) for breakfast & dinner. They also have a children’s menu & full-service bar. Enjoy riverside dining on the patio in summer!