Explore History & Nature at Malakoff Diggins Park, CA

Located in the scenic foothills near Nevada City and Grass Valley, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure and rich California Gold Rush history. This remarkable park preserves the largest hydraulic mining site in California, showcasing dramatic landscapes transformed by 19th-century mining techniques. Visitors can explore the remnants of massive earth-moving operations, rugged trails, and a rustic museum that details the mining legacy of the region.

Malakoff Diggins is more than a historic site; it's an immersive outdoor experience where you can hike through forested hills, camp under the stars, and enjoy peaceful creekside spots. The Malakoff Diggins Museum provides a glimpse into the daily lives of miners and the environmental impact of hydraulic mining. Park ranger Adela, a local expert, enriches visits with stories and important safety tips, including wildlife awareness—bears are occasionally spotted along the trails.

Trail options vary from moderate hikes to shorter nature walks, some requiring attention as overgrown sections exist. Campers can choose from sites and cabins, though spacing can be tight and shade limited in some areas, so early reservations and planning are advised. The park’s unique geology features impressive diggins (eroded mining pits) and transformed creek beds, offering striking photo opportunities and outdoor learning experiences.

What makes Malakoff Diggins stand out is its combination of natural beauty and preserved history within a quiet, less crowded setting. Visitors come not only for the hikes and camping but to engage with California’s rich mining heritage firsthand. Whether you pause at the interpretive signs, catch a ranger-led tour, or quietly watch for wildlife, this park provides a memorable adventure rooted deeply in the area’s cultural and environmental story.