Keeping up with my series of posts about photography destinations not too far from the greater Sacramento area, I want to introduce my followers to the South Yuba River State Park. No, Ansel Adams didn’t make a career there, and Instagram is not full of photos from that place. It is also not an adequate “black and white” destination, although you can take black and white photos anywhere. But it is a charming park, and I consider it a hidden gem for photography, particularly in the spring and in the fall. Parking is limited, and the light is harsh, so get there early to get a space and good light!
Location and Parking
The entrance to the South Yuba River State Park, park headquarters and visitors center are on Pleasants Valley Road, off Highway 20, North of Nevada City. The address is Bridgeport, 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd. The park can be accessed from Highway 20 west of Grass Valley, or from Highway 49 north of Nevada City. From Sacramento, it is a 70-mile drive, mostly on highway 70N. As of now, parking is 5.00 U$ and can be paid with a credit-card. Always check the park’s official website before going. The region is prone to wildfires and things can change quickly.
Photography
There are basically three distinct themes to photograph at the South Yuba River State Park: the historic center, the river, and the vegetation.
The historic center near the park’s headquarters has the longest single span covered bridge in the world, an old barn, and a vintage Shell station. These structures are more appealing to photograph in the Fall, when the ornamental trees surrounding them, and the willows by the river, change colors. The park also has a collection of old wagons inside the barn, if you are into this kind of photography. The structures and items in the historic center date back to California’s Gold Rush and later, to the silver that was discovered in the Comstock Lode in Nevada. The Virginia Turnpike, which passed through Bridgeport (where the park is today), became an important link between Marysville, California, to Virginia City, Nevada.
The South Yuba River is rocky, and you can walk on its shores for miles on end, looking for a good composition. Long exposure of the water flowing on the rocks is always an alternative. I must confess that I did not spend too much time trying to achieve an award-winning photo by the river, but I hope that one of my readers will try.
Wildflower photographers are those who will really enjoy the South Yuba River State Park. There is a native plants garden near the visitor’s center. In the spring, wildflowers abound, and the slopes on both sides of the river, where the sun hits more consistently, become covered in lupines and poppies. Although I have not taken landscape photos including the flowers there, because a partly cloudy day never happened on my visits, a quick google search revealed many examples. Below, some photos of wildflowers taken by me:
Photography tips
Architecture, landscape and wildflower photography all benefit from a partly cloudy day and more diffused light. This is also true for the South Yuba River State Park. A diffuser will come in handy for wildflower photography on a sunny day. Many flowers are on slopes, intermingled with grass. A flash might help to achieve separation by darkening the background.
A word of caution
There exists something known as a rattle snake. Rattle snakes are common along the riverbeds in California, they often lay on the rocks trying to warm up. When walking on rocks by the river, be aware of snakes. They can and will bite you if you step on them. Although the existence of snakes is no good reason to avoid the outdoors, it is a good reason to pay particularly close attention when hopping on rocky riverbeds.
Afterwards
The park is about 20 minutes from Nevada City, a Victorian town which, in and on itself, is worth a photography trip, particularly in the fall. But that is the subject of a future post. Nevada City has awesome beer, awesome food, and interesting stores to visit.
Resources: This official site has additional and updated information about the South Yuba River State Park.
Some information about the history of Bridgeport can be found here.
______________________________
Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous
________________________________
It is all about the light 
Looks like a great place for photography. Excellent use of depth of field on those wildflower shots!
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes it is a hidden gem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, it isn’t a park I have ever visited, but it certainly sounds intriguing! Some great wildflower shots, excellent depth of field and lovely backgrounds as well. You are really good at both the photography and the artistic composition of those shots! I’ll look forward to Nevada City!
LikeLike
Thank you. Even locals don’t usually think of this park. My idea is to do a year of local places and maybe then publish an e-book.
LikeLike
Beautiful images Alessandra! It’s a great spot. We were there a couple of months ago, but no wildflowers yet.
LikeLike
I saw that. A friend went yesterday and he said, covered in flowers.
LikeLike
I love wildflower photos and these are some great ones! Sometimes the best places are the ones that haven’t been photographed a million times all over Instagram!!
LikeLike
You are right about that one! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Pennsylvania has somme cool wildflowers. Maybe you give it a try.
LikeLike
I do with several friends every year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here I am! I’ve had this tab open since you posted these wonderful flowers. I got involved in reading more about some of them, and forgot to come back. All are unfamiliar to me, which makes sense, but they’re all very beautiful. The Brodiaea looks rather like our Lindheimer’s star, and of course everyone has some sort of “silver puff,” although the genus and species may differ.
As for the park, any place that doesn’t become an Instagram hot spot is high on my list. This place is beautiful — especially the river and that bridge — and one I’d enjoy exploring. I smiled at your caution about the snakes. I had the experience of stepping on one in high grass a couple of years ago, and while it’s a good way to raise your heart rate, I don’t recommend it. I never saw the snake itself. Once I stepped on it, he went one way and I went the other.
LikeLike
“had the experience of stepping on one in high grass a couple of years ago, and while it’s a good way to raise your heart rate, I don’t recommend it. I never saw the snake itself. Once I stepped on it, he went one way and I went the other.” Oh my ! The indigenous wildflowers are certainly different between ca and tx.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I should have added that I don’t think the snake was damaged, since I had on my boots and could feel him coiled beneath them. It was a very light, very quick step he felt. If I woke him from his nap, he probably thought he’d been having a nightmare.
LikeLike
I don’t recall ever having stepped on one. They generally either see you in time or, in the case of rattle 🐍, announce their presence. This is quite a story!
LikeLiked by 1 person