01
Best lake escape
Lake Davis Recreation Area
North Of Delleker Off Lake Davis Road • Pine-Fringed Reservoir Trails • Easiest Close-To-Town Option
A mellow network of shoreline paths around a quiet Sierra lake just a short drive from Delleker.
Several pullouts and day-use spots along the east side of the lake offer informal loops that follow old roads, singletrack, and bits of shoreline. It is ideal for mixed groups, with room to shorten or extend your walk and plenty of spots to stop for fishing or a picnic. Expect open sun and occasional dust on breezier days, and bring bug spray in early summer when the water is high.
02
Most dramatic reservoir scenery
Frenchman Lake Recreation Area
Frenchman Lake Road Corridor • Open Shoreline And Sagebrush Hills • Best For Wide-Open Views
Wind-swept coves, rocky points, and lightly used paths ring this high-country reservoir north of Portola.
Frenchman’s broad basin and broken shoreline make it great for wandering, with informal trails and fisherman paths leading to overlooks, inlets, and quiet coves. The terrain feels more high desert than deep forest, with big sky, changing light, and excellent sunset views over the water. Mornings are calmer and cooler, as afternoon winds can whip across the lake and make exposed stretches feel harsher.
03
Best history-meets-hiking stop
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Johnsville–Plumas-Eureka Area • Historic Forest And Mountain Park • Top Pick For History Buffs
Forest trails climb from old mining buildings into classic Plumas County ridges and meadows.
Start near the restored mill and museum and head up one of the Jamison Creek–area trails to quickly leave the crowds behind and step into tall timber and granite outcrops. Interpretive signs, relics, and cemetery sites give the lower sections a strong sense of place, while higher up you gain views toward the Lakes Basin and surrounding peaks. Snow can linger on the upper routes well into spring, so check conditions and be ready for cooler temperatures in the shade.
04
Iconic high-country circuit
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Gold Lake Highway And Lakes Basin • High-Alpine Lakes And Granite Basins • Classic Sierra Day-Hike Hub
A compact maze of trails links turquoise lakes, granite knobs, and big Sierra views in every direction.
From trailheads near Gold Lake, Long Lake, and the campground, you can stitch together loops that hop from lake to lake, with options ranging from quick two-mile outings to longer circuits that fill a full day. The scenery is consistently high-reward—polished granite slabs, bright water, and glimpses of the Sierra Buttes—so even shorter hikes feel like proper adventures. Arrive early on summer weekends to beat both the heat and the parking crunch along the narrow Gold Lake Highway.
05
Top short waterfall walk
Frazier Falls Trail
Off Gold Lake Highway Near Frazier Creek • Family-Friendly Waterfall Walk • Quick Scenic Outing
A short, mostly paved path leads to a dramatic overlook of Frazier Falls tumbling into a rocky gorge.
This is a go-to option when you want big payoff without a big effort: the route is under two miles round-trip, with gentle grades and benches along the way. The final viewpoint platform gives a straight-on look at the multi-tiered falls, especially impressive in late spring and early summer when snowmelt swells Frazier Creek. The access road can hold snow or rough patches early in the season, so locals often time their visits for clear, dry conditions.