Sierra County, population 3,555, is located in the heart of the northern section of the Sierra Nevada on Highway 49. Nine-hundred-fifty-nine square miles of unparalleled beauty, heavily forested canyons, the largest alpine valley in North America, wild rivers, unspoiled mountain lakes and streams, charming gold rush towns and century old ranching and logging communities.

Green and heavily timbered, the western half of Sierra County and the county seat of Downieville, Goodyears Bar, Pike and Alleghany hold memories of the Gold Rush era. Historic buildings are abundant and there are many fine examples of rough-hewn 49er architecture. It remains today much as it was over 100 years ago when the gold miners worked the rivers and mountains in search of their fortune in gold. The majestic Sierra Buttes Mountains, a regional landmark overlooking Sierra City, reaches 8600 feet into the heavens.

Sierra County claims more than 40 alpine lakes, most of them in the Sierra Buttes Lakes Basin Recreation area. Camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and other activities abound in a natural and tranquil setting.