Though it lasted less than two decades, hydraulic mining drastically changed the face of California. At Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park you will see the largest hydraulic gold mine in the world, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the daily life of its creators.
Hydraulic mining was simply blasting a hillside with a stream of water until the soil disintegrated. The muddy stream was directed down a sluice that caught the heavier, gold-bearing particles of earth and gravel; the water with the remaining mud went into a stream or river, or wherever it would. With a hydraulic pipe, one or two men could process hundreds of tons of earth daily, making it economical to mine gravel that yielded less than a nickel's worth of gold per cubic yard. Starting in 1853, many small hydraulic mining companies worked the area around North Bloomfield and it became a bustling little community.

In the 1860s, there was still plenty of gold in them thar hills - in fact, there is today - but it was locked up in veins or deep gravels, out of reach of the average individual prospector or small company. Large amounts of capital were required for profitable gold mining - to buy machines, dig long tunnels, develop water supplies, consolidate claims.
In 1866 a North Bloomfield miner took options on hundreds of acres of mining ground, and headed for San Francisco to round up a half-dozen investors who formed the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company and acquired 1500 acres of land in the area of the Malakoff Ravine to begin operations. The company operated profitably until January 7, 1884 when, after months of testimony and argument, Judge Lorenzo Sawyer handed down his decision in the case of Woodruff (a Marysville property owner) vs. the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company. He issued a permanent injunction against dumping tailings into the Yuba River, and further enjoined the defendant companies from using the water from their ditches and reservoirs for hydraulic mining. The mines could not operate profitably under the new restrictions; California's free-for-all hydraulicking era was over.

When You Visit the Park

Displays in the park's museum tell the story of the hydraulic miners and their way of life, and a film that vividly shows how hydraulic mining was done is shown each weekend. The museum is open on week-ends during the fall and spring, and daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the summer. In the Ostrom Livery Stable are some of the many types of wagons in use when the mine was operating, and you will also see Saint Columncille's Catholic Church, originally built in 1860 near French Corral, donated to the park by Babe Pinaglia and restored by the park staff with the aid of Forestry crews; the McKillican and Mobley Store which served as social and supply center; and the great Malakoff mine pit, which is seven thousand feet long, three thousand feet wide, and nearly six hundred feet deep in places.

Between 2200 and 4200 feet in elevation, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park's terrain varies from open meadows to tree- and chaparral-covered slopes and deep canyons. During the winter there's usually some snow on the ground; temperatures range from the low 20s to the 40s. Summers are pleasant - highs during the day are in the middle 80s, dropping to the 50s in the evening.
The 2600-acre park's wildlife includes deer, rabbits, raccoons, porcupines, skunks, and squirrels; bobcats, coyotes, and bears visit on occasion. Bird-watchers will see quail, doves, pigeons, hawks, and numerous songbirds.
For fishermen, the lower sections of Humbug Creek and the South Yuba River offer rainbow and brown trout, and there are black bass, bluegill, and
catfish in Blair Reservoir. The reservoir is also used for swimming (be careful, as no lifeguard is available) and there is a small picnic area on its banks, as well as the Clampicnic area in the center of town. Early every June, on the Sunday before Father's Day, the park hosts a Homecoming featuring a picnic, parade, and various special events.

Camping

The park contains 30 primitive family campsites; drinking water and flush toilets are available, and each site has a table, cupboard, and stove. Though there are no hookups, trailers up to 24 feet in length or motor-homes up to 30 feet long can be accommodated in some of the sites. A group campsite that will accommodate up to 50 campers is also available. Family and group campsites can be reserved at Reserve America. In addition, the park has two rustic cabins for family use; but bring your own bedding, utensils, etc. These cabins can be reserved through the Reserve America as well. Campfire programs are held during the summer months; guided tours are given on Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, and year-round by special arrangement.

Please Remember. . .

Follow a few simple rules to make everyone's stay more enjoyable:

Keep your dog on leash during the day, and in your vehicle or tent at night. To enter the park, you must have proof of current rabies inoculation.

Down wood is part of the park scene; do not disturb it. Firewood is available at the park office.

Keep your vehicle on established roads and parking areas.