Absolutely breathtakingly, beautiful day hike in Graeagle Lakes Basin Area that is not quite 2…read morehours from the Carson City area. Easy directions that has signs that will guide you right to the trailhead with as the other reviewers noted very limited parking but this hike is WELL worth it. With your choice of going to fish at Long Lake or hiking on several different hiking options from the Bear Lakes & Long Lake Loop Trail or take in a more moderate to difficult hike up to Mt. Elwell or Pacific Crest Trail you will not be disappointed by the beautiful nature views plus the four alpine lakes that on this trip in November we weren't brave enough to take a dip in but our Hobey doggy thoroughly enjoyed and we found to be of temperature similar to Lake Tahoe. Big Bear, Little Bear, Cub and Long Lake were exactly what we needed to put us back in touch with the serene vibes of the peacefulness of being outside with nature. Weather, views were stunningly gorgeous, we and our furry companions HIGHLY recommend getting out here to enjoy this easy to moderate hike/loop trail. Enjoy and #moveyourbody !!

I feel like nothing I write will adequately describe the beauty of this place, so I'll let the…read morepictures do the talking for that part. The trailhead is easy to find and off the main road. The road to get to the trailhead is doable in a small car, but take it slow as there are potholes and lots of blind corners. There's a well-maintained bathroom at the start of the trail and good signage. Parking is pretty good, there were plenty of spaces when I went but i could see it getting crowded during the summer months. The trail to long lake is relatively easy, but I wouldn't suggest it for someone with limited mobility. It's also a short hike with almost immediate payoff once you get to long lake, which is BEAUTIFUL. My dog and I elected to keep going past long lake toward the dam, and passed several small pretty lakes and streams on the way there. The trail was a little icy when I went in early December, but nothing too crazy.

Goose Lake campground is a small Forest Service campground located on the Gold Lake Highway just…read moresouth of the more well-known Gold Lake campground. It is often simply used as overflow for the latter. However, although much smaller than Gold Lake, it is no less beautiful, and the lack of motorized watercraft give it a quieter, more serene appearance. Not camping at the time, we were simply looking for a nice lake to have a picnic by that was accessible by car. In the Lakes Basin area, in spite of what everyone says, this is no mean feat. The forest service seems to assume that the great majority of users have four-wheel-drive vehicles anyway, so no sense wasting money fixing the multitude of hazardous potholes on seemingly every access road. At this campground, we took one look at the dirt campground road and its giant potholes, and aborted an attempt to drive in. Fortunately, off the highway just south of the entrance is a large dirt area to park, fairly devoid of holes, that had a walk-in path to the campground and the lake. Goose Lake is a short walk from that parking area, and if you don't mind sitting on a rock, there is an abundance of beautiful areas to have lunch by and enjoy the water. Even if you only have a short amount of time, Goose Lake is worth a visit. The campground is small, with only 13 spots, and was quite quiet during our midday visit. The big disadvantage to this campground: no water. You would probably need to make visits to nearby Gold Lake and refill water supplies. The vault toilet was clean and relatively odor free. The daily camping fee is only $10, and does not take reservations. To reach the campground, go south on Highway 89 from Graeagle for 2 miles, then proceed south for 12 miles on the Gold Lake Highway. Definitely a four star for day use, but potholes and the lack of water knocks it down a star for camping...

I've never been, but I just bought 1.3 acres... dead flat land, super cheap…read more Now I have more of an incentive to drive seven hours to go visit.

I love Gold lake. Snow camping here is epic if your rig and winch can get you through the icy snow…read moreto camp by the lake! The best part is no one will be here in the cold! Snow hiking is awesome but you can easily get lost! Have fun!

10/21/2023 It's been…read morea very long time since our last visit.. Still have the fishing bug... trying to take advantage of the time and weather... Windy as heck, but the scenery takes it all !!! Next trip, hoping to catch some nice ones!

A diamond in the rough for Sierra lakes. If you want to get away from tons of people, you'll love…read morethis place. Purchase rental cabin from Bucks Marina or Bucks Lake Shore Lodge. Also, Lake Shore lodge has a full bar and restaurant with outstanding food and drinks. Get the tree smacker for the full effect....LOL Enjoy this lake, it's one of kind. I've been going there since 1967...It's the real deal for a mountain experience!!!!! Cools down at night, so you sleep great....Hank D. Sr.

wonderful place! wonderful staff and wonderful people! Bucks Lake is a must visit if you have not…read morebeen yet what a wonderful secret/ destination spot!

The best spot to spend time in quiet and fish, they got picnic areas to be there with your family…read moreand spend some quality time.

This is a bequtiful little trout lake About an hour above…read moreloomis ca. Ive taken my kids here for many years and now take their kids. Grrat plave for a picnik. Some casu a l float or bank fidhing with no noise and few people on weekdays. Easy access but not much parking.

Amazing lake with incredible clear blue water! Felt like we…read morewere in the Bahamas. Great for camping and has store for supplies in case you run out. Truly a hidden gem!

Everything!! The robertsons are amazing! This place is a resort and these houseboats are pure joy!…read more If you're trying to rough it then this place is not for you lol

I'm fully in my hiking/camping era at this point, so we decided to take a short drive and check out…read moreFrazier Falls. And honestly? This is my kind of hike. It's about a mile, easy, and paved, so you're not out there fighting for your life...but still has a high payoff at the end, which is really all I'm asking for these days When we got there, the waterfall was actually flowing, which always feels like a win. And on the way back, we cut through some rocks and were able to see where the waterfall starts, which made it even cooler. If you're nearby in early spring, I highly recommend checking out Frazier Falls. Easy, quick, and worth it...basically the perfect low-effort, high-reward hike.

Frazier Falls Trail was absolutely beautiful and perfect for families. The trail is easy to follow…read morewith very few inclines, making it enjoyable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The scenery along the way is gorgeous, and the highlight is the stunning waterfall waiting at the end of the trail. The park is well-maintained, with clean bathrooms conveniently located near the parking lot and picnic tables available for enjoying lunch before or after your hike. Overall, it's a relaxing and rewarding outdoor experience that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for an easy, family-friendly adventure.

Beautiful New Marina facilities & very well maintained. Covered shady area with tables & chairs,…read moregames & a big screen TV. Healthy options at the food cafe & free fish food for the huge carp that the kids love to feed. Really nice store with super cute functional clothes & and ice cream destination! I adore the friendly staff, always attentive & available. The boats on this lake are amazing. The ones that live here as well as the ones who visit. This is a boaters paradise. The mussel check goes quick & people are pretty good about boat ramp etiquette, always willing to help each other and be patient. The water is clean and fresh. The shoreline expansive with no houses. This is not an accessible lake for people who do not have watercraft.

A well kept large/medium sized marina located in Tahoe forestry. There are 2 upper parking lots and…read moreone needs to walk down a semi steep paved roadway to the floating marina. This wide pathway is also the boat launch. Walking unto the stable floating marina, lots of boats for rent, restrooms, a beautiful outdoor seating area, sundry/snack shop, great boat rental place, emerald waters and CARPS. Kids and the kid in me thoroughly enjoyed their smacking mouths sucking up their pellets. The sundry shop provides the food for free. The meandering forest ride passing the dam made it a fun trip. Enjoy a snack, coffee, ice cream and/or beer and enjoy it on that floating marina. There is a Sheriff hanging around, so behave!

First, it is referred to by most as "Salmon Lake". Technically it is at "Upper Salmon Lake" near…read moreSierra City, CA near Bassett's Station. I really enjoy Salmon Lake Lodge and here is my run down on everything: (See the pictures for detail) Basics: This place is remote! If you like being a hermit for a week this is the place. There is absolutely NO CELL RECEPTION!!! I am serious, you have to drive into Graeagle to get cell service. Many of the cafes in Graeagle have wifi. Also, you drive to the lake and then take a barge (floating dock with a motor for you city slickers) across the lake. The camp site and lodge are not reachable by vehicle! However for you die hard hikers you can reach the lodge using the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). It does get cold at night even in summer since you are at 6,500 ft elevation. You can also take a 30 minute hike from the parking lot around the lake to the lodge. However that trail is very narrow and pretty rocky. Again for the city clickers: None of the trails are paved! The Lake: Even in August the lake water is REALLY COLD! I wear a wet suit. My wife and in-laws (whom I think are crazy) swim without a wet suit. Basically, if you can handle the Northern California Ocean you may not need a wet suit. There is an island which is great to kayak to and jump off the rocks. There are quite a few rocks on the island and around the edge of the lake to jump off and it is so much fun! For the fisherman, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout, but there are some other fish in there as well. There are ducks, some eagles, some rocks for climbing, and a few coves to explore. Tent Cabins: Beds: Twin Bunk Bed and separate Full Sized Bed. Mattresses are pretty hard! Kitchen: Two electric burner cook top, Mini Refrigerator with Tiny Freezer section (like a college dorm, Table with two benches, Plastic tub for food storage, Trash bucket, Dish Tub, Broom, and dust pan. There is also a wood burning stove for heat and the site provides firewood. Outside each cabin is an outdoor table with two benches and a BBQ like you would find at a city park. Details: There are 10 tent cabins in 5 buildings labeled A-J. The I/J tent cabins are the furthest west and therefore the most quiet. The G cabin is the closest to the bathroom. Amenities: The Lodge provides row boats, kayaks, and a few canoes on first come first serve basis at NO CHARGE! This is a big reason I like Salmon Lake, it is a very small lake that you can kayak around and jump in the water as you wish. There is a bathroom/shower/dishwashing house for everyone in the tent cabins. The shower always has had hot water when I used it. The bathrooms are cleaned daily and have running water and lighting and are very nice. The dish washing station is outside and is a double sink for washing and rinsing. There is also a washing machine for clothing (great for you hikers). You hang dry your clothes (bring a clothes line or parachute cord). It is a great place for hiking. You can reach the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) easily and the Sierra Buttes. There are also shorter trails to Horse Lake, Deer Lake, and Lower Salmon Lake. Note: There is a waiting list to get in. It is fairly exclusive. Message me if you have questions I've been here a few times and my in-laws have been going here for generations.

I witnessed the ladies of Salmon Lake Lodge save the life of a hypothermic kayaker this morning…read more Thank God for their efforts and courage to save this young man's life! You are heroes

Visited Portola for the first time last fall and walked this river trail every single morning while…read moreI was in town. It's quiet, scenic, and peaceful. Not strenuous, and it's paved so folks of all abilities could probably enjoy it. If you like exploring the flora and fauna of new places like I do, there's a lot of 'splorin you can do just in this small area. There's an abundance of mountain bird specialities including Clark's Nutcrackers, Steller's Jays, Pygmy Nuthatches, Hairy Woodpeckers, and more! Wildflowers and interesting insects can be found all around too. And keep an eye out for evidence of bears!

Coming back from a day in the Lakes Basin, we stopped in the town of Portola. We thought we would…read morecheck out the Riverwalk and enjoy the river. As we drove into town we saw signs directing us to it, or at least we thought that would happen. Instead, the signs ended but instead of being near the river we were in the middle of what seemed an industrial part of town. My wife flagged down a local citizen, who knew exactly what we wanted, and directed us back over a bridge and a few turns to finally get there. You would think after investing a decent amount in a Riverwalk, you could find a sign or two identifying it. But no, as the helpful local citizen pointed out, there are no signs! But we did find it, and parked on the street along Riverside Avenue. To find it more easily than we did, point your GPS to Riverside Avenue and Beckwith Street where it officially begins. The walk is paved and follows the Middle Fork of the Feather River. A very pleasant way to stretch your legs and get some exercise. Unfortunately for us, it was in the 90s when we stopped by, the reflecting pavement amplifying the heat, and we had to stop partway through. The path goes on until the Forest Service picnic stop off Hwy 70, and then on to Rocky Point Rd where you can go even further along the river. The Riverwalk is a nice feature of Portola - albeit one that would benefit from some additional signage for visitors.