Wildflowers are beginning to stir in the lower elevations, and the snowiest month of the year is about to happen. Don’t miss out on the fun. Take in the bloom in places like South Yuba River State Park or sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine at one of our countryside wineries. Still on the fence? Here’s a small sampling of things to do in March in Nevada County such as our annual fairs or festivals packed full of family fun.
Wildflowers at South Yuba River State Park
Saturdays & Sundays beginning Mid-March through Mother’s Day
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! Starting at 10 am, join docents as they 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. For more spring wildflower hike ideas read our article Yuba-long Among Wildflowers In Nevada County.
Since this is within the South Yuba River State Park, please note there is a permit parking fee. But, if you have a California Golden Poppy Pass or the California Explorer Pass, they are accepted. No National or Federal Park Passes accepted.
The Great Ski Race
March 3rd
Visit the Great Ski Race website
Downhill skiing may get all the glory but cross country skiing in Truckee is just as big albeit a bit quieter. A great example of this Great Ski Race which is one of the largest Nordic ski races west of the Mississippi. Inspired by the route Jack Starratt of Tahoe City took decades ago to deliver the mail when Tahoe was cut off from civilization by heavy snow. The course is a loop that starts and ends at the Tahoe Cross Country Center on machine-groomed trails with skating lanes and double tracks the entire 26 kilometers (~16.2 miles). Explore this event and others happening this spring in Truckee.
North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST
February 29th – March 10th
Visit SnowFest’s website
Held during prime winter conditions, SnowFest offers a 10-day lineup of festivities featuring nearly 100 individual events celebrating mountain and resort lifestyle. Take in a parade. Enjoy artists’ icy rendering as part of the snow sculpture contest. Make the leap and dive into a polar bear swim. Yell FORE! as you go snow golfing and so much more!
St. Piran’s Day
March 2nd
Visit St. Piran’s Day Event Page
You may have heard of St. Patrick’s Day but have you experienced St. Piran’s Day? St. Piran, a fifth-century Celtic missionary, is the patron of Cornwall and its miners. On his day in Grass Valley, everyone is Cornish and the blessings extend to dogs too! The fun starts with the ringing bell of Town Crier Paul Haas. From there, the American and Cornish flags rise above City Hall as the Grass Valley Male Voice Choir, directed by George Husurak, leads the national anthems. Events include a pasty toss as well as Cornish Pasty Tasting. The event is FREE, so come to downtown Grass Valley for the day.
Foothills Celebration
March 16th
Visit Foothills Celebration Event Page
Spend the afternoon strolling the shops and sites of Historic Downtown Grass Valley. Enjoy fine Northern California wines, gourmet cuisine, and confectioner’s delights. Tickets are $55 per person and include unlimited wine tasting and five food selections from over 20 local restaurants. Purchase tickets via the Grass Valley Downtown Association or contact the Sierra Vintners to reserve your ticket or for more information.
