With more than 20 named lakes, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area in California’s Gold Country is a hidden treasure that draws tourists. An hour and a half north of Lake Tahoe, this location offers a variety of outdoor activities in a breathtaking natural setting. It is located within the expansive Plumas National Forest. The untamed splendor of the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains envelops the lakes, including Big Bear, Little Bear, Gold, and Round lakes. These lakes, mostly reachable on foot and situated at an elevation of about 6,000 feet, provide hikers, campers, and fishermen a tranquil haven.
Trout fishing is a popular activity in nearly all the lakes, with Gold Lake being the only one currently stocked. Gold Lake also allows motorized boating and features a boat dock and launch. Other lakes are best explored with float tubes or small boats that can be carried in. The area includes six campgrounds, four offering fishing and swimming opportunities. Lakes Basin Campground is the only site with drinking water available. The campgrounds primarily provide vault toilets and basic amenities, catering to those seeking a rustic camping experience.
With various year-round activities, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area is a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into bicycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, this area has something for everyone. The Sierra Buttes area is particularly renowned for its scenic cross-country skiing. With over 30 miles of hiking trails that intersect the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, including connections to the Pacific Crest Trail, there are routes to suit all levels of fitness. The Grassy Lake Trail is a must-visit for its stunning wildflower displays in June and July.
Visitors can also explore the area’s two spectacular waterfalls: Halsey Falls and Frazier Falls. Frazier Falls, one of California’s tallest waterfalls, offers a dramatic 176-foot drop, particularly impressive in the spring. The region also boasts several former fire tower sites, accessible via hiking trails, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
For those who prefer a more comfortable stay, the area surrounding the Lakes Basin Recreation Area is well-equipped with lodges and resort facilities, some of which have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. These lodgings provide a wealth of services and are ideal starting points for seeing the surrounding lakes and sites. Less than 20 miles distant, Plumas Eureka State Park displays items from the gold rush. At the same time, the Portola Railroad Museum and the Plumas County Museum in Quincy provide interesting perspectives into the area’s history.
