Malakoff Diggins State Park Gold Country Day Trip

If you have ever doubted the power of water, visit Malakoff Diggins Historical State Park and see what water can do ~ in grand style.

Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park is the site of the largest hydraulic mine in California. It is 26 miles northeast of Nevada City, also known as the Gold Rush Country.

Surely you have heard the phrase, “there’s gold in them thar hills.” Yes, there was, and it seemed there had to be a faster way to get to that gold.

Not much gold was found in the streams and rivers nearby, so the miners decided to bite into the mountainsides, using the force of the water near them.

Dams were built at higher elevations, and then the water was released to travel to the mine sites through wooden canals called flumes. All during the water’s journey, it gained speed and force.

A giant water cannon nozzle called a monitor was used to blast away the gravel, and whole hillsides gave way, releasing gold into the miner’s sluice boxes.

This process was duplicated in seven different locations and operated around the clock. The hillsides let go of its precious gold, but the result was permanent scarring to the mountainsides.

This area is now marked as a historical site, and you can see the beauty and destruction of it all when you visit Malakoff Diggins State Park.

Bloomfield Ghost Town

The ghost town of North Bloomfield is located at Malakoff Diggins Historical State Park. McKillicam & Mobley General Store and St. Colmcille’s Church have restored some buildings. The original name of the mining camps was Humbug, Humbug City, and finally, Bloomfield. At the height of California’s rush, Bloomfield had nearly 2000 residents.

During its heyday, North Bloomfield boasted eight saloons,  several hotels, two churches, a school, a post office, and a daily stage service.

Camping and Hiking

There are trails for hiking with amazing views of the mining pit. There are four main trails to choose from if you love to hike. Rim Trail, Blair Trail, Diggins Loop Trail, and North Bloomfield Trail.

The State Park offers places for picnicking and nearby fishing. There are rustic cabins for camping and 32 campsites available. Reservations for the houses are highly recommended.

One of the creeks near Malakoff Diggins was nicknamed Humbug Creek since it yielded little to no gold when panned in the traditional method. The name stuck. If you visit the area in June, you may choose to enjoy the Humbug Day Celebration.

Getting to Malakoff  Diggins State Park

The climate is warm in the summer and generally dry. In the winter, rain, and snow can be expected. With an elevation of over 3,200 feet, sudden weather changes are not uncommon.

Dressing in layers for the day is highly recommended. If you are camping, warm bedding is encouraged. Malakoff Diggins Historic State Park is located 26 miles northeast of Nevada City.  23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, California. Park Website.

More Things to do in California Gold Country.

La Brea Tar Pits Los Angeles

Gold Point Nevada