North Bloomfield
Hydraulic Horror
State: California
County: Nevada County
Founded: 1851
Abandoned: 1884
Peak Population: 2,000
North Bloomfield used giant water cannons to blast away mountainsides for gold. It created California's largest hydraulic mine pit. Environmental lawsuits shut it down in 1884.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Needed: Half day
Quick Facts
- Largest hydraulic mine pit
- Environmental disaster
- State park now
Location
Address: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Coordinates: 39.365, -120.895