Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park was established in 1959 to provide visitors with a glimpse into a facinating period of California gold rush history, as well as opportuities for quiet recreation in a beautiful high Sierra mountain setting.
Visitors to the Park can visit the museum, explore the mining complex site and buildings, and learn about the area's gold rush history.
During the winter cross-country trails are groomed and historic ski races are held once a month during Jan-Mar.
Plumas-Eureka State Park Association
(PESPA)
(PESPA)
PESPA was established in 1977 to support the interpretive and educational programs at Plumas-Eureka State Park.
PESPA currently has more than 300 members from throughout the United States. Our mission is to support educational programs, interpretive services, and maintenance projects within the park, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from this unique cultural and natural resource.
The focal point of the park is the museum building and historic area surrounding it. Originally constructed as the miner’s bunkhouse, the building now serves as a visitor center. Inside, displays depict the natural and cultural history of the park. Outside and across the street from the museum is the historic mining area, where the Mohawk Stamp Mill, Bushman 5-stampmill, Stable, Woodshop, Assay Office, Moriarty House (historic miner’s residence) and the Blacksmith Shop depict life in gold rush-era California.
Calendar
THE PARK MUSEUM, MUSEUM GIFT SHOP, AND OUTBUILDINGS ARE CLOSED FOR THE 2024 SEASON. REGULAR SUMMER PROGRAMMING WILL BEGIN AGAIN ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2025.
INFORMATION ON WINTER ACTIVITES AND UPCOMING PROGRAMS FOR THE 2025 SEASON COMING SOON!
Groomed Cross-Country Trails will be identified as the season begins.
Wondering about longboard races? Weather permitting, this winter's historic longboard races will be held at the Johnsvill Ski Bowl on the 3rd Sunday of January, February, and March 2025.
Overview
Steeped in history, Plumas-Eureka State Park is a landmark in skiing heritage, tracing its origins back to the 1860s during the California Gold Rush. These mining communities are the first know to participate in organized ski racing in the western hemisphere.
PESPA offers a unique winter experience in the Park, featuring approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) of moderately groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These scenic trails wind along picturesque Jamison Creek and through the historic Plumas-Eureka mine complex, offering beautiful views of Eureka Peak and Mount Washington along the way. Access to the groomed trails is available via parking areas at both the Jamison Mine Road at the turn off on A14 and the Park’s museum building in Johnsville. See map for parking.
Trail grooming is made possible by a dedicated group of PESPA volunteers. Your donations will go toward the costs of fuel and equipment maintenance. Your help ensures our ability to provide continued public access to maintained winter trails in the Park while at the same time preserving a valuable piece of California's history. Thank you!
PESPA offers a unique winter experience in the Park, featuring approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) of moderately groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These scenic trails wind along picturesque Jamison Creek and through the historic Plumas-Eureka mine complex, offering beautiful views of Eureka Peak and Mount Washington along the way. Access to the groomed trails is available via parking areas at both the Jamison Mine Road at the turn off on A14 and the Park’s museum building in Johnsville. See map for parking.
Trail grooming is made possible by a dedicated group of PESPA volunteers. Your donations will go toward the costs of fuel and equipment maintenance. Your help ensures our ability to provide continued public access to maintained winter trails in the Park while at the same time preserving a valuable piece of California's history. Thank you!
Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Trail Map
Nordic Trail Donations
Suggested Donations
Day Use Rates:
Day Use Rates:
- Adults (18+): $10 per day
- Youth (12–17): $5 per day
- Children (11 and under): Free
- Individual Adult Pass: $75 for the season
- Family Pass: $100 for the season
$35
Nordic Ski Racing
Gold Discovery Days
July 20-21, 2024 9am-4pm
Events
July 20-21, 2024 9am-4pm
Events
Tours:
Museum displays; gold panning; food & music; wagon rides (Sat); wool spinning; candle making (Sat); children’s games; natural history table; children's archeological dig; guided hikes; raffle fundraiser.
Sunday Rotary Pancake Breakfast 8-11 am on Sunday
Live Music @ Breakfast!
Saturday/Sunday BBQ: Smokeshow Restaurant
- Assay Office
- Wood Working
- Blacksmith Shop
- Moriarty House
Museum displays; gold panning; food & music; wagon rides (Sat); wool spinning; candle making (Sat); children’s games; natural history table; children's archeological dig; guided hikes; raffle fundraiser.
Sunday Rotary Pancake Breakfast 8-11 am on Sunday
Live Music @ Breakfast!
Saturday/Sunday BBQ: Smokeshow Restaurant
Dinner in the Park
Membership Drive - Join us Today!
On behalf of the Plumas-Eureka State Park Association (PESPA), we would like to thank you in advance for your contribution. The success of our efforts depends greatly on your generosity and participation. No matter what your membership level, know we always benefit from donations of time, talent, funds, and creativity. Annual membership levels: Single $25; Family $35; Business $100; Gold $500. Or donate as you are able. If you desire a mail-in option, go to the FORMS/Membership tab above. Thank you!
501(c)3 non-profit corporation.
501(c)3 non-profit corporation.
$100
Volunteer Signup
NOW RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS!
PLEASE CONSIDER OFFERING THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME TO PESPA THIS YEAR.
PESPA continues to focus its energy on building our volunteer program to better meet the needs of our mission and our volunteer community. If you’d like to support our goals, are looking for a like-minded community, or just want to spend more time at the Park, we hope you’ll consider ways to share your time and experience with PESPA this year.
Whether it’s joining us as an active PESPA volunteer, signing up to help with individual events such as Gold Discovery Days, or encouraging family and friends to visit the Park and become part of our team, PESPA would greatly appreciate your support.
This year we’re particularly in need of volunteers to help with our publicity, membership, and social media outreach efforts.
For more information, complete and submit this form or contact our volunteer coordinator, Jill Phillips, directly at volunteer@PESPA.org.
PLEASE CONSIDER OFFERING THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME TO PESPA THIS YEAR.
PESPA continues to focus its energy on building our volunteer program to better meet the needs of our mission and our volunteer community. If you’d like to support our goals, are looking for a like-minded community, or just want to spend more time at the Park, we hope you’ll consider ways to share your time and experience with PESPA this year.
Whether it’s joining us as an active PESPA volunteer, signing up to help with individual events such as Gold Discovery Days, or encouraging family and friends to visit the Park and become part of our team, PESPA would greatly appreciate your support.
This year we’re particularly in need of volunteers to help with our publicity, membership, and social media outreach efforts.
For more information, complete and submit this form or contact our volunteer coordinator, Jill Phillips, directly at volunteer@PESPA.org.
Woodshop
Links
Plumas Ski Club
The Plumas Ski Club's purpose is to promote community skiing activities through historical re-enactments of 1860's era ski racing in the Lost Sierra. Our primary mission is to raise funds, by sponsoring community events, for the continued maintenance and eventual re-opening of the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl.
Plumas-Eureka Docents
VIPP
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park offers a look at the ecological wonders of the high Sierra and a glimpse of the cultural history of the California Gold Rush.
Map
- Johnsville, California 96103, USA
- 310 Johnsville Rd, Hwy A14, PO Box 1148
- Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00