Events

Tours and Guided Walks

Wildflower Walks
March 12th, 2022 - May 8th, 2022 (heavy rain cancels)
Every Sat and Sun, 10:00am at Bridgeport
Meet at the North parking lot. The Buttermilk Bend trail is well known among locals for its spectacular explosion of wildflowers in spring. The display changes every week, so come more than once! Docents will identify the flowers and explain some of their natural history and traditional uses. Plan on 1.5 hours and 2 miles. Due to the narrowness of the trail, dogs are not permitted on this tour. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended.

Bird Walks
2022 Schedule TBD
Please call the Bridgeport Visitor Center for questions (all dates tentative; call to confirm) For the full schedule of Walks, please click the link (no fee required)
Bird Walks begin at 8:00am (for the months of June through September the Walk begins at 7:30am, to beat the heat, for the months of October and December, the Walk begins at 8:00 AM.)
Meet at the North Parking Lot at Bridgeport. Our experienced docents will lead a moderate 2 hour stroll around Bridgeport to spot our local bird residents. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one. You might spot the Canyon Wren, American Dipper, Acorn Woodpecker, Golden Crowned Kinglet, Bald Eagle and more. 
Geology Walk
March 26th, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Sign-ups required, please e-mail Syubarivergeology@gmail.com to sign up.
Offered periodically throughout the year. Please call the park for dates and more information. Learn about South Yuba River's ancient past by joining our Geology Walk! Our knowledgeable docents will point out interesting rock feautures and explain the geologic composition of the Yuba Canyon as you see it today. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water. 
Point Defiance Hikes
2022 Schedule TBD
Meet at the North Parking Lot. This scenic hike will wend visitors through the South Yuba Canyon, giving views of the confluence of the South and North Forks of the Yuba River as well as the historic structures throughout the park. This hike is moderate to strenuous, appropriate footwear is highly recommended.

Gold Panning Demonstrations
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day) Every Sat and Sun, 12pm - 2pm at Bridgeport
Meet at the troughs by the visitor center (donations welcomed)
Docents will demonstrate how to pan for gold in our troughs which are very likely to yield a bit of gold for most everyone. Practice in the troughs, then try your hand in the river. Remember, only pans and hands allowed in the park.

Read about gold panning regulations here.

Auto Tours
Call to schedule (fee)
Your guide will give a personal tour to your car club or group describing the history of transportation at Bridgeport including a tour of the refurbished Shell gas station. You will then drive on a piece of the historic Virginia Turnpike and pose with your car in front of the gas station and/or historic bridge for a photo.