Nevada County, California, is a picturesque area located in the northern part of the state. The county is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, rivers, and forests making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the natural scenery, there are many interesting photo locations in Nevada County that attract photographers from all over the world. We will explore some of the best photo locations in Nevada County, California, and what makes them so special.
South Yuba River State Park
South Yuba River State Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. The park is located along the South Yuba River and features many interesting rock formations and waterfalls. One of the most popular spots for photographers is the Bridgeport Covered Bridge. The bridge was built in 1862 and is the longest single-span wooden covered bridge in the world. It spans the South Yuba River and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a perfect spot for a photo shoot.
In addition to the covered bridge, there are many other interesting locations in South Yuba River State Park. The park has several trails that wind through the forest and along the river, offering many opportunities for nature photography. The park is also home to the South Yuba River Citizens League, which offers educational programs and events throughout the year.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is a unique photo location in Nevada County. The park is home to the remains of a hydraulic mining operation that was active in the late 1800s. The mining operation used water to wash away soil and gravel in search of gold. The result is a landscape that looks like a giant amphitheater with towering cliffs and terraced slopes.
The park offers many opportunities for photography, including a hike to the top of the cliffs for a panoramic view of the landscape. There are also several abandoned buildings and mining equipment scattered throughout the park, which provide interesting subjects for close-up shots.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Empire Mine State Historic Park is another popular photo location in Nevada County. The park is the site of one of the oldest, largest, and richest gold mines in California. The park features over 850 acres of natural beauty, including gardens, trails, and a historic home. The centerpiece of the park is the restored Bourn Cottage, which was built in 1896 by William Bowers Bourn, Jr., the mine owner.
The park is a great place to take photos of the historic buildings and gardens. There are also many opportunities for nature photography, as the park is home to a variety of plant and animal species. In the spring, the park is especially beautiful, with wildflowers blooming throughout the grounds.
Nevada City
Nevada City is a historic town in Nevada County that offers many interesting photo locations. The town was founded in 1849 during the California Gold Rush and has since become a popular tourist destination. The town features many historic buildings, including the Nevada Theatre, which is the oldest continuously operating theatre in California.
One of the best places to take photos in Nevada City is on Broad Street, the main street in town. The street is lined with historic buildings, including the old firehouse, which is now home to the Nevada County Historical Society. Another interesting spot is the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, which was built in 1856 and is now used as a venue for events and performances.
Donner Pass
Donner Pass is a mountain pass located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, just north of Nevada County. The pass is named after the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became stranded in the area during the winter of 1846-47.
Donner Pass is a popular photo location in Nevada County, thanks to its stunning mountain views and historical significance. The pass is accessible by car and offers several pullouts and overlooks for taking photos.
One of the most popular spots for photographers is the Donner Summit Bridge, which spans across a deep canyon and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the pass and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the natural scenery, Donner Pass has a rich history that can be explored through photography. The Donner Party Museum is located near the pass and features exhibits and artifacts related to the ill-fated journey of the pioneers who became stranded in the area. The museum offers many photo opportunities, including displays of authentic pioneer wagons and a replica of the Murphy cabin, where the Donner Party spent the winter of 1846-47.
Independence Trail
The Independence Trail is a wheelchair-accessible hiking trail located in Nevada County that offers many opportunities for nature photography. The trail follows an old mining ditch and winds through a forest of tall trees and wildflowers. Along the way, there are several interesting spots for photography, including a waterfall and a large pond.
One of the unique features of the Independence Trail is the Tumbling Creek Trail, a short side trail that leads to a waterfall and a series of cascades. The creek provides many opportunities for long exposure photography, and the surrounding forest offers a beautiful backdrop for nature photography.
North Bloomfield Ghost Town
The North Bloomfield Ghost Town is a former mining town that has been preserved as a historic site. The town is located in Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park and features several well-preserved buildings, including a schoolhouse, general store, and blacksmith shop.
The town offers many opportunities for photography, including close-up shots of the historic buildings and long shots of the town from a distance. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including rolling hills and a river, making it a perfect spot for combining history and nature photography.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe (near to Nevada County) is a large freshwater lake located on the border between California and Nevada. The lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. The lake offers many opportunities for photography, including sunrises and sunsets over the water, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the most popular spots for photography at Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay State Park, which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The park is also home to the Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room mansion that was built in the 1920s and offers many interesting photo opportunities.
Another popular spot for photography at Lake Tahoe is Sand Harbor State Park, which is known for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The park offers many opportunities for nature photography, including shots of the water and the surrounding cliffs.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a historic town located in Nevada County that offers many interesting photo opportunities. The town was founded in 1850 and features several historic buildings, including the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, which was mentioned earlier.
One of the best spots for photography in Bridgeport is the town square, which is surrounded by historic buildings and large oak trees. The town is also home to the Bridgeport Inn, a historic hotel that offers many photo opportunities both inside and out.
Omega Nu Garden Tour
The Omega Nu Garden Tour is an annual event in Nevada County that offers many opportunities for nature photography. The event features tours of private gardens in the area and offers a chance to see some of the most beautiful gardens in the county.
The gardens on the Omega Nu Garden Tour showcase a wide variety of plants and flowers, including roses, succulents, and perennials. Many of the gardens also feature unique water features, sculptures, and other art installations that offer interesting photo opportunities.
One of the highlights of the Omega Nu Garden Tour is the opportunity to meet and talk to the garden owners, who are often passionate about their gardens and happy to share their knowledge and tips for successful gardening. The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening practices, such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and using native plants in the garden.
The tour takes place over two days, usually in May or June, and includes a variety of gardens throughout Nevada County. Some of the popular gardens on the tour include the Redbud Garden, which features a large pond and a variety of flowering plants, and the Garden of the Good Shepherd, which is known for its colorful roses and water features.
Photographers on the tour can take advantage of the natural light and unique settings to capture stunning images of the gardens and their inhabitants, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Close-up shots of flowers and plants can be especially striking, and using a macro lens can help capture intricate details and textures.
In addition to the gardens themselves, the tour also offers a chance to photograph unique garden structures and decor, such as arbors, trellises, and garden art. Using different angles and perspectives can create interesting compositions, and playing with depth of field can help bring focus to specific elements of the garden.
Overall, the Omega Nu Garden Tour is a must-visit for nature and garden enthusiasts, as well as photographers looking for new and inspiring locations to capture the beauty of nature. With so many unique and diverse gardens on the tour, there is something for everyone to appreciate and photograph.
Nevada County, California, is a treasure trove of photo locations for photographers of all levels and interests. From historic landmarks and charming small towns to breathtaking mountain vistas and lush gardens, this county has something to offer for every kind of photographer.
Whether you are a nature photographer looking for a place to capture the beauty of the great outdoors or a history buff seeking to document the region’s rich heritage, Nevada County has it all. Its diverse landscape, combined with its unique cultural and historical sites, make it a perfect location for photography enthusiasts.
The photo locations highlighted in this blog post are just a small sample of the many amazing spots that can be found in Nevada County. There are countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and photographers can always find new inspiration and subject matter in this beautiful region.
We hope this blog post has given you a taste of what Nevada County has to offer and has inspired you to grab your camera and explore this wonderful corner of California. So whether you are a seasoned professional or an amateur just starting out, be sure to add Nevada County to your list of must-visit photo locations, and start capturing its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and charming towns today!