South yuba river directions
Tucked away in scenic and historic Nevada County
South Yuba River State Park has a little something for everybody. The patchwork park boundaries form a “string of pearls” for 20 miles along the river, including four historic bridges, miles of hiking trails, and the nation´s only wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail, the Independence Trail. The river´s beauty and solitude has long inspired the dedication and stewardship of those who know it best.
Come discover the many faces of the South Yuba River.
Wander through the history of the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, learn more about the wagons that traveled these parts, pan for gold, escape to a hidden swimming hole, roam trails along the river surrounded by wildflowers, and so much more.
Save Our Bridge
The Crew
The Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Longest, Single Span, Wooden, Covered Bridge left on earth was performed by this talented group of Bridgewrights, Timber Framers, Carpenters.
Pictured from the left:
Luis Jesus Trejo Olvera, Jeff Purcell, Drew McGuire, Stephen Kemmett, Kaipo Covert, Manuel Leyva, Braulio De La Torre, Will Truax (kneeling), Tim Brennen, Tim Andrews, Joseph (Buddy) Covert, Edgar A. Arce, Adrian Miranda, Tim Wells.
Not pictured:
Jack Via, Issac McCoy, Chris Kohen.
Photo_John Field
Current Events
With the structural work on the bridge now completed, a century-old tradition referred to as “Topping Out” with a “Wetting Bush” is to celebrate completion of the timber structure by attaching a softwood bough to the rafter top and baptize the same with rum. One of the more well-known timber traditions involves nailing a bough or small evergreen tree to the highest point of the timber frame.
The ritual serves two purposes:
THE SAVE OUR BRIDGE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND SIERRA GOLD PARKS FOUNDATION SPONSOR NEVADA COUNTY SCHOOLS STUDENT ARTS COMPETITION.
The Save our Bridge Campaign Committee and the Sierra Gold Parks Foundation are pleased to sponsor this year’s Nevada County Schools’ Student art competition. The subject of the competition is “Flowing Through History -The Bridgeport Bridge Restoration Project”. This partnership with the Nevada County Schools Superintendent’s Office is a great opportunity for students throughout Nevada County to learn about the restoration of the iconic Bridge at Bridgeport, South Yuba River State Park and the significance this Bridge has in the history of California and Nevada County.
BRIDGE FUND-RAISING EVENT A BIG SUCCESS
LOCAL BUSINESSES RAISE FUNDS FOR HISTORIC BRIDGE
JOIN US FOR SPRING BIRD WALKS AT SOUTH YUBA RIVER STATE PARK
GEOLOGY WALKS
For more information contact South Yuba River State Park at (530) 432-2546.
HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE RENOVATION and MALAKOFF SOLAR PROJECTS MOVE FORWARD
2020 WILDFLOWER WALKS
For more information contact South Yuba River State Park at (530) 432-2546.
Photo Credits: Robert Lowe (banner), Doug Moon, Steve Pauly
© 2014 Sierra Gold Parks Foundation. All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 1658, Penn Valley, CA 95946
