The South Yuba River State Park at historic Bridgeport is located between highways 49 and 20 in Nevada County and is a worthwhile point interest. Not only are there great swimming holes, hiking, bird watching, and wildflowers, but this area is most well know for its historic covered bridge which remains one of the 9 covered bridges left in California. This bridge was built in 1862, spanning 229 feet, and is considered one of the longest of its kind in existence. The bridge was constructed during the height of the Gold Rush and is located just downstream of one of the world’s largest hydraulic mining area at Malakoff Diggin’s State Park.

In the spring, a spectacular array of wildflowers covers the Bridgeport area along the south fork of the Yuba River and most noticeably along the Buttermilk Bend Trail. The Buttermilk Bend Trail starts at the Visitors Center, goes through the historical covered bridge and extends to the North parking lot to where the trail sign points left up the hill. This trail continues, crossing French Corral Creek and eventually the State Boundary marker. From this marker, the trail ceases to be South Yuba River State Park jurisdiction and crosses into the property of the Bureau of Land Management. The trail dips 115 yards after this boundary and shortly ends. The total distance of the hike from the Visitors Center is 2.7 miles round trip and is fairly flat aside from a moderately steep 75 yard climb at the early part of the trail. Guided wildflower walks are conducted by volunteer docents from mid-March through May on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 11 AM. The South Yuba River State Park at Bridgeport is located at 17660 Pleasant Valley Road Penn Valley, CA 95946. To contact the Visitor’s Center, call: (530) 432–2546.