01
Best quick view hike
Portola "P" Hike
Hills Above Portola • Short Viewpoint Hike • In-Town Leg-Stretcher
A steep but short climb straight out of town that rewards you with big views over Portola and the surrounding valleys.
This is the go-to hike when you only have an hour but still want to feel like you got outside for real. The trail wastes no time gaining elevation, zigzagging up the sage and pine-covered hillside beneath the big white "P". From the top, you get a surprisingly wide panorama of the Feather River canyon, Gold Mountain, and the high country you’ll be exploring on longer outings.
02
Best classic alpine loop
Bear Lakes Loop via Round Lake
Lakes Basin Recreation Area • Alpine Lakes Loop Trail • Scenic Day-Hike Favorite
A rolling loop that strings together Round Lake, Bear Lakes, and granite knobs for a full sampler of the Lakes Basin.
If you want the quintessential Lost Sierra experience, this loop is hard to beat. The trail weaves through open granite slabs, pockets of fir and pine, and a chain of clear blue lakes with plenty of rock perches for extended snack breaks. It’s long enough to feel like a proper day out, but the grade stays manageable, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for mixed-ability groups.
03
Best lakes-and-waterfall combo
Rock Lake and Jamison Lake
Above Graeagle • Waterfall-And-Lakes Canyon Hike • Best For Adventurous Families
A rewarding canyon trail that climbs past creeks and cascades to two gemlike lakes tucked beneath rocky ridges.
This route has just about everything: creek crossings, a waterfall, shaded forest, and two very swim‑worthy lakes at the end. The trail climbs steadily but offers enough variety in terrain and scenery to keep kids and less experienced hikers engaged. Jamison Lake’s granite shoreline makes a perfect lunch spot, and stronger hikers can scout around for quieter nooks along the far shore.
04
Best quieter alternative
Volcano Lake Hike
Lakes Basin Backcountry • Quiet Forest Climb To High Lake • Solitude Seeker’S Pick
A less-traveled trail that winds through mixed forest and meadows to a tucked-away lake ringed by volcanic rock.
When the better-known Lakes Basin routes feel busy, this trail offers a more low-key escape. The climb is steady but not punishing, with stretches of shade and occasional openings where you can glimpse surrounding ridges. At the lake, the dark rock and calm water give the spot a secluded, almost secret feel that rewards those willing to go a little farther from the main trailheads.
05
Best big-view challenge
Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail
Sierra Buttes / Highway 49 • Rocky Summit And Fire Lookout Climb • Bucket-List View Hike
A stout climb to a historic fire lookout perched on sheer rock, with far-reaching views over the Lakes Basin and beyond.
This is the marquee hike many visitors plan their trip around, and for good reason. The trail climbs through forest and old mining country before breaking out onto high, rocky slopes, finishing with a dramatic staircase up to the lookout itself. On a clear day you can pick out the Lakes Basin, Gold Lake, and ridgelines fading into the distance, making the effort—and the final airy steps—feel completely worthwhile.