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Dogs ❤️ Downieville & Downieville ❤️ Dogs

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:00:04 GMT

Downieville or Doggieville - let the dogs decide!

Dogs ❤️ Downieville and Downieville ❤️ Dogs!

One of our favorite things about the area is just how friendly to our pups Downieville is! And how thrilled the dogs are to be here. Whether it be galloping along the river or getting a treat at the bar.. Dog friends are welcomed with open arms here in Downieville!

Please share your ideas on how to travel in Downieville successfully with your pooch!

Here are a few we thought of if you plan to bring your pups to town:

Health & Safety - It's always important to consider the health and wellbeing of our furry family members

1) If your pet is sick, don't bring them. Downieville is in a remote mountain village and has no local emergency veterinary services. Our traveling vet retired last year - so, if you know someone who loves to travel and has their certification - send them our way!

2) Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer. If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog or talk to a local! There are plenty of folks who might be interested in helping you look after your pups, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

3) Consider your pup's paws! When the thermometer registers 85 degrees and stays elevated throughout the day, taking your dog everywhere you go or even for a short outing can lead to a serious injury. Spending even a few minutes to meander through Downieville can be painful. Consider bringing along some of those neat pooch shoes!

4) Frequent stops at the river are an important part of your dogs mental and physical health to stay cool and hydrated! Make sure the water your dog is drinking is running water - however, it is always good to keep a water bottle for your dog, just in case!

Crate Training - Be mindful of others and your pups emotional wellbeing during your travels

1) Rather than leaving your pup in the Inn, consider a crate that is large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down. Be sure your pup is accustomed to the crate at home before heading out. Leave some food, water, and maybe their favorite toy for some comfort. Check the weather beforehand and consider leaving your pup(s) at home if they are unable to accompany you during your day activities.

2) Ensure you have a strong crate, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions and a leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.

Lodging - Ask for any pet policies before booking your stay

1) Find out in advance which hotels and resorts in Downieville allow dogs. Many do not, or have size/breed restrictions. Carriage House Inn offers several dog friendly rooms and even includes a pooch package!

2) If your dog is allowed, respect other guests, staff, and the property.

3) Keep your dog as quiet as possible. Folks come to stay for that peaceful quiet here in Downieville and it can be incredibly unsettling to hear a dog cry from another room. Always bring your pup along for the adventure!

4) Do not leave the dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place and you can be charged. Many of the Downieville establishments have dog friendly dining and hangout areas.

5) Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after them. Do not leave any mess behind, even if others do. Carriage House Inn has several dog friendly pathways and beaches along the river for well behaved pups.

6) Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs in the future. Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition. Always ask questions if you are unsure or need assistance! It is better to be upfront of any concerns before or during your stay - that way we are all enjoying our experience to the best of our abilities.

7) Puppy-proof the room or cabin. Before you let your dog have free run of their home away from home, make certain it’s safe for your dog to explore. Our Innkeepers always make sure that electrical cords are out of reach and that previous occupants didn’t leave anything on the floor or under furniture that could be potentially harmful to your dogs or guests.

Downieville is a playground made of dreams for pups. Many people say this little village is a dog village with a few people in it. Let's do our part as responsible dog parents to Keep Downieville Dog-Friendly!!

Sincerely,

Sonya & Carriage House Inn Team

FISHING SEASON IS UPON US!

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:50:43 GMT

and the north yuba provides

Fishing season opening day is a week from tomorrow! Are you ready to dust off your rod and reel and hit the currents here in Downieville? Miles our manager cannot wait to fish the North Yuba tributaries for the wild gems.

For those new to fishing this river and tributaries: There is a 5 fish limit on the North Yuba and many folks are successful at the confluence in Downieville by simply fishing with salmon eggs. The average fish size is 10 inches, but don't let that get you down! This river has several sections where it is stocked, but no stocking is done above Ladies Canyon.

The North Yuba is home to a "trophy" stretch which is located from Ladies Canyon to Sierra City. This section has a 2 trout limit and it must be over 10 inches to be kept. Anglers may use only artificial lures or flies with single barbless hooks. You will find beautiful wild fish that fight like they are larger than they really are.

Did you know that the North Yuba is open to fishing year round? In the off season, barbless artificial lures only are allowed and of course- catch and release.

We cannot wait to see rods on the river and wish everyone the best of luck this season!

The Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 23:27:13 GMT

A feast for the ages

It was a cold March in 1994, and the crowd was thick at Yuba Pass as they patiently waited to hear the judges decision. With walls of snow around them, the judges made the most important declaration to happen that year, and maybe in their lifetime; J.J. Janzen was the winner of the 1st annual Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off with his concoction titled "Open-Da-Can-Chili".

And the rest is history...

Referred to as "the social event of the year", this year's Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off should be one for the history books (or front page of The Mountain Messenger) and takes place March 5th, 2022 starting at 9am at Yuba Pass Sno-Park Parking lot, right off Highway 49.

Chefs from both the Eastern and Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada come prepared with their chili to wow the judges as best they can which might even include some subtle bribery and definitely alcohol; in the end deciding the reigning chili champ of the Sierra Nevada.

Be sure to come early to see how the judges are swayed and to feast on the bounty of chili available at 6,709 feet elevation. Remember to dress warm and prepare for any weather. The cook-off happens rain, snow, or shine and judging will take place around noon.

Come taste Miles' never before made ostrich chili- we are sure it will be amazing.

Downieville Winter 2021

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 00:37:55 GMT

Record Breaking storm hits the sierra!

It's safe to say that we won't soon forget December 2021. Snow totals officially hit over 200" in the Sierra. DEEP-cembe r was in full effect. Guests who planned to be here were mixed with travelers who were totally bewildered to end up in Downieville. It was straight chaos mixed with family adventures. Guests made ramps in the snow for sledding, families filled the town with laughter and snow ball fights. It was a true Downieville Winter Wonderland.

On Christmas day cars were buried and lost, we ran out of rooms in town so couches became beds and floors became snuggle piles. Groups of five or six ended up sleeping in rooms with one king or queen bed. The county opened warming shelters, the Downieville school opened their gym, and the town truly came together to make a Christmas Miracle happen.

Several people were stranded with cars in various states of disrepair or lost in the deep. A sweet couple in their Tesla came to the Riverside Mountain Lodge just to charge up at the hotel.. They were on their way to Reno. The young lady was very pregnant, and vocally concerned about road conditions. However, even with their awareness of the harm they could face, they chose to head back out into the storm. They saw Cal-Trans say "All roads to and from Tahoe area are either closed, or too treacherous to pass. Stay where you are, do not attempt to travel at this time. " Another Tesla got stuck in town, as their car became to cold to charge! Others ended up turning around at the edge of town and finding Downieville as home for the evening, despite their trials and errors to pass through the storm.

In their mind was "Google maps says we can take a 6 hour route through the mountains over to Nevada. Let’s give it a go. Let's cross the pass even though the sign said 'road closed ahead'." To their dismay, as the storm heaved on, the pass became to treacherous to enter.

The innkeepers in town became a source for all information, counselors for issues far outside the scope of renting rooms. They shoveled out cars covered in white fluffy powder and crawled on their bellies to apply snow chains for guests who looked on in awe.

The hotels in town had piles of laundry that have accumulated as tall as the snowdrifts while the housecleaners are snowed-in, unable to get out. Tens of thousands of people in Northern California are without power, and it continues to go on / off in Downieville and surrounding areas. Local residents came together to help local hotels in order to provide clean rooms and services to guests stuck in town.

Closed highways became a winter playground for cross country skiers, and kids who were sledding and making snow angels. Dogs bounded and trounced in fluffy powder, chasing tails, falling snowflakes, and blazing powdery trails that caved in on them as they ran. One guest even had the opportunity to join a local Husky on a jaunt on skiis through town, pulled by the local pup himself! He loved every moment of it and it was truly a joy to witness.

St. Charles Place Bar was bustling, mostly with locals who came out of their homes to enjoy camaraderie and escape the cabin fever. Visitors, quickly becoming locals, set up on the bar stools and ran the pool table and the juke box. They kept commenting on how "amazing" Downieville was, and how "awesome" it was that they "got stuck here" as they threw back shots and played pool. The town was alive during what most locals know as our slow and quiet season!

One guest mentioned the similarities of a late November of 2021 storm in Britain's highest pub that turned into a weekend-long lock-in when snow carpeted the Yorkshire Dales. Over the course of three very strange days, Downievilleans, the guests who planned to be here, and the stranded travelers at the lodges and inns found themselves strangely connected. Families were huddled together walking along Main Street, soaking in the winter wonderland. Smiles and laughter mixed with fear and uncertainty of getting home.

Restaurants were closed because owners were snowed in or they closed for Holidays. One local, a well known baker, brought treats and snacks for the guests. These items and others from generous townsfolk, were delivered to the front doors of traveler's accommodations.

This same local baker, helped arrange a warming shelter for guests who couldn't arrange accommodations due to full hotels and houses. Visitors could warm up and use the water, bathrooms, and even sleep on wrestling mats in the Downieville School's gymnasium. Local's providing pillows and blankets. It's safe to say small-town kindness is alive and well in Downieville.

And through it all, Two Rivers Cafe remained strong! They ran out of pizza dough early on, but recovery was quick. Not long after, they ran out of buns for burgers. The most important thing is through it all, they stayed open even during blips in the power. A warm and welcome place for parents and kids to gather.

It's been one for the history books!

We hope everyone has been safe in these storms. Enjoy the stillness and beauty of all of this incredible December snowfall!

Please stay safe and be patient as resorts, the town and local businesses wait to regain power, unbury from the snow, and rest after we helped hundreds of stranded travelers - hopefully everyone was able to get where they wanted to be in time for New Years! We are happy to be right here in lovely Downieville!!

See you soon.

Sonya and Mike Meline

**Photos by Sonya Z Meline and Melanie Haiken

3 Fun Activities to Enjoy in Downieville This Fall

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 02:58:47 GMT

What Can I Do in Downieville in the Fall?

1. Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is one of the local attractions that brings visitors to Downieville. After the summer months, fish begin fattening up for the winter. With fewer bugs in the fall, the opportunity to feed is lower, making bait desirable for the local fish and the sport more exciting for anglers. The North Yuba River has multiple tributaries that boast excellent fly fishing opportunities, including Lincoln Creek, Haypress Creek, Milton Creek, and Pauley Creek. Each tributary is home to ample rainbow and German brown trout. Those new to fly fishing and experienced sportspersons find solitude and relaxation during this popular pastime.

2. Mountain Biking

Downieville's rugged terrain is perfect for skilled and experienced bikers. With stunning views and alpine lakes, there are countless trails to explore. Fall is ideal for mountain biking as the temperatures cool. Some of the favorites include Forest California, Chimney Rock Trail, Craycroft Ridge, Deer Lake Road, and Downie River Trail, to name a few. Downieville Outfitters and Yuba Expeditions are bike shops with shuttle services available to assist with rentals and trail recommendations. While the vivid fall foliage in the Sierra is breathtaking and worth the trip, experienced mountain bikers are highly encouraged to invest in life flight insurance before enjoying the challenge of the trails, as the nearest hospital is an hour away.

3. Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to soak in the unspoiled splendor of the rich fall foliage. The cooler, autumnal weather gives the perfect opportunity to take on more challenging trails without worrying about dehydration. Chances of seeing wildlife on a hike are higher than usual as beavers, otters, rabbits, fox, and deer, prepare for winter. The crisp air and smaller crowds make for a magical experience you won't soon forget.

If you want to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature, Carriage House Inn in Downieville, CA, is the perfect destination. Surrounded by stunning and pristine waterways and vistas, Carriage House Inn is the home base for adventure seekers, trail lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This dog-friendly resort is centrally located for countless local attractions, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing and so much more. Call (530) 289-3573 to book your unforgettable adventure.

Gift Certificates Now Available Just In Time for the holidays!

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 02:53:29 GMT

Show your love for your special someone by giving them the gift of nature!

Help support Carriage House Inn during a time we cannot house visitors!

Free shipping!

Call our front desk at (530) 289-3573 to order your gift certificates and we will ship it to your special someone at no cost!

Welcome STEAM!

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 02:49:02 GMT

We are excited to announce the addition of artfully crafted STEAM hotel amenities. The formula of these bath products feature Meadowfoam seed oil, which is prized for its antioxidant content and skin-softening capabilities, sourced from the rich farmlands of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Each room also includes a luxurious activated charcoal soap (not pictured) to wash the #dirtmagic from your trail worn skin.

At Carriage house, we believe in choosing an ethical, environmental, and philanthropic path. These fine products are all natural and made in the USA! Best of all, by enjoying these amenities, you are doing your part to divert those mini-bottles from filling up the landfills of our planet!

5 Tips for Beginner Mountain Bikers in Downieville

pro-services@cloudbeds.com — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:59:00 GMT

One of the best ways for those who love cycling to enjoy the exhilaration of the outdoors is mountain biking. While getting started in this sport is physically and mentally demanding, it becomes easier as skills and strength develop. Keep the following tips in mind when striving to boost your performance on the trails.

How Newer Mountain Bikers Can Shred In Downieville

1. Develop a Base Level of Strength

Mountain biking differs from road biking in that it’s much more demanding of the rider’s body. Therefore, it’s important to build up strength and endurance before hitting the trails, especially if you’ve only ridden gentler beginner trails. The four to six weeks before heading to the mountains should be spent on consistent, low-intensity exercise in preparation for handling rapid downhills and tough climbs. Set aside time for at least three rides of no more than two hours each per week to be in great shape for the next challenge. While riding in Downieville, beginning mountain bikers can take advantage of building their skills on the many fire roads and hills of the mountain town.

2. Change Gears

More advanced and intermediate mountain biking trails consist of sections that can vary significantly in height and grade. This is both the challenge and the fun of the sport, but you can make it easier by taking full advantage of your bike’s gears. Shift into lower gears when climbing and back into high gears when cresting to ensure you maintain control and a comfortable speed at all times.

3. Maintain Loose Posture

While the trails of Downieville are expertly groomed by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, expect challenging terrain in your near future. Riding over obstacles like small logs and rocks is one of the most important basic mountain biking skills. You can achieve this by maintaining momentum and staying off the saddle in rough spots. Picture your arms and legs as shock absorbers and keep them comfortably bent to absorb impacts without losing speed or control.

4. Learn Basic Repairs

It’s not uncommon to encounter mechanical problems on the rougher trails in Downieville, whether a slipped chain or a punctured tire. Unfortunately, out on a long trail, there’s no guarantee of help, so learn how to perform minor repairs before heading out. Visit a local bike shop for help learning repairs like patching flats, repositioning slipped chains, and properly tightening loose bolts and nuts.

5. Come Prepared

Weather taking along a backcountry electronic gadget, such as our favorite, the Garmin In-Reach, or remembering to pack enough water or sunscreen, take some time to think your trips through before heading to Downieville. The town of Downieville has limited supplies. The town grocery store excels more in the craft beer and liquor department than in substantial trail snacks, so remember to pack some high calorie grab-and-go items to satiate and fuel your ride. Other items to consider packing are some basic first aid items, a packable jacket and small headlamp for the unexpected, emergency gear for your bike and tires as well as chain lube. Lastly, the most oft forgot and missed during a long ride in Downieville, lip balm.

The best end to a long, rewarding day riding the trails is relaxing in the refreshing mountain air at Riverside Mountain Lodge, in Downieville, CA. Just a short drive from the Bay Area, this outdoor destination offers comfortable, spacious rooms in proximity to various outdoor activities. The nearby mountain biking network features a range of trails for all different skill levels, and shuttles are available to reach trailheads. Call (530) 289-1000 to book a reservation, or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.

Redefining Success in the Year of 2021

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:59:00 GMT

Downieville, CA: March 2021 — Longtime adventure seekers, Michael and Sonya Meline, purchased Riverside Inn (which they renamed Riverside Mountain Lodge), a 12-suite rustic lodge in the mountain biking boomtown of Downieville, California nestled in the Tahoe National Forest. The couple moved to Downieville with their son, Gregory, after they say they looked at over a dozen properties in Colorado, Idaho, and California before settling first on the purchase of the town's other river-front hotel, the Carriage House Inn.

“The Carriage House was the culmination of our five-year dream” remarks Sonya. “We just never imagined we would purchase another property so soon after the inn. The Riverside [Mountain Lodge] had been shut down by the previous owners for the entire year of 2020, and with COVID-19, they had no plans to reopen. We felt the pain our visitors felt when they called to book a room at the Carriage House, and we had to turn them away because we were full. There just wasn't enough supply to keep up with the demand! We also felt the pain of the local community who relies on the tourism economy with 1/3 of the hotels in the area being shut down.”

Sonya said that while she and Mike were waking their dog one afternoon, they noticed signs of life at the then-shuttered Riverside Mountain Lodge. It was the former owners of the lodge who offhandedly said “Hey, you guys should just buy this place!'” and from there the seed was planted.

COVID created huge swings in the couple's guest bookings throughout 2020. They were forced to cancel months of reservations during the peak season of 2020 in April through June with the California stay-at-home orders in place. However, when they were finally permitted to take reservations again, the bookings poured in.

“We were so busy that even with all the extra distancing, masking, and sanitation and other measures we had to comply with for COVID, that the late summer-season made up for a dismal spring.”

“People just want to be in the mountains with everything going on.” said Michael Meline. “We were even full during the mid-week at the inn, while hotels in cities and more densely populated areas were really hurt by COVID. Here, with fast internet, many people can still work-from-home, but then they can do it with the wide-open spaces and the mountains to keep them company. Or [they can] walk out the back door and be steps away from one of California’s most clear and unspoiled waterways on the Yuba River.”

Mike once worked as a fabricator and materials scientist in the automotive, aerospace, and sporting goods industries. One of his favorite roles was in the R&D department at Soft Ride Bikes where he discovered a love for mountain biking. He was drawn to Downieville because of the trail system that brings all who travel them to some of California’s most enjoyable terrain, complimented by breathtaking vistas. Mike commented that “it really is an exciting time with e-assist mountain bikes becoming a reality. This allows people of lower experience levels, to get places they would have never been able to go before. Also, it's great for people who would normally take a public shuttle, who with COVID still rampant, are not interested in getting into a van with people outside their pod. For both of these reasons, eBikes are the dawn of a new era for mountain biking.”

The Melines report that they already have several week-long-bookings for the entire Riverside Mountain Lodge, and they plan to increase these types of buyout events — stating that the mid-week stays are also good for the community. They hope to do more company retreats, small weddings, and family reunions. “We inherited several of these groups that buyout the hotel. One comes every year for what they deem the Summer Kickoff Festival. They rent almost every room in the entire town, and there are several unique event spaces here including The Masonic Hall and the picturesque meadow of The Lure Resort. While here, groups partake in the riding or hiking on the trails and river sports such as rafting, fishing, and swimming in the many hidden swimming holes of the Yuba and Downie.

It’s so cool to be in the middle of all these group events and feel the energy and excitement as the town fills up with people escaping city life” said Sonya, who herself used to plan large-scale events and festivals. “I can’t wait to go rafting on crystal clear waters with big rapids and no crowds” added Mike.

For more information about Riverside Mountain Lodge, or the town of Downieville through the eyes of the Meline Family, reach out to Sonya Ziegler Meline at sonya@riversidemtnlodge.com

Hang on to your hats, because the rumor is true...Riverside Inn is re-opening as Riverside Mountain Lodge!

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:59:00 GMT

With the new ownership comes a refresh on your favorite riverfront hotel.

Expect eco-friendly amenities like Public Goods® soaps and cleaning supplies, Pendleton® flannel sheets, and even new beds and furniture from Old Hickory Furniture Company. Plus guests will enjoy a hot shower with the invigorating High Sierra Shower Heads®!

The riverfront balconies that jet out over the spring-fed Downie River are what originally drew us to the Riverside Mountain Lodge . It's a perfect start for your Lost Sierra adventures. And at the end of long day on the trails or in the river, it's the coziest place to return to with your spacious accommodations, each with a private entrance, many with fireplaces and full kitchens, and all paneled with rustic knotty pine, and finished with modern decor.

We're so excited to open our doors and have already started booking up for the busy spring and summer seasons! We're so grateful for this chance to be a part of the Downieville community. We know just how vital this unique property is to the hospitality economy of the area, and it is a dream come true for us to share in the ownership and stewardship of this beautiful place.

For more information, or to book your next getaway, call (530) 289-1000 or visit us online . Let us help you relax, recharge and reconnect!