01
Best overall pick
Grass Valley Bald Mountain Trail
Ridges West Of Little Grass Valley Reservoir • High-Country Summit And Ridge Trail • Best For Panoramic Sierra Views
A stout climb to an open summit with sweeping views over La Porte, Little Grass Valley Reservoir, and the surrounding Plumas peaks.
From the forested lower slopes, this trail quickly gains a ridgeline and breaks out onto granite and low brush near the top. The broad summit makes it easy to wander for different vantage points, and on a clear day you can pick out multiple layers of Sierra ridges. Pack extra water and start early—there’s plenty of sun exposure near the top, especially in midsummer.
02
Best short summit outing
Bald Mountain and Chimney Rock Trail
South Of La Porte Along Quincy La Porte Road • Rocky Out-And-Back To Dramatic Granite Outcrops • Scenic Half-Day Adventure
A manageable half-day hike that strings together forest walking with big granite viewpoints and the distinctive rock spire of Chimney Rock.
The route works its way up through mixed conifer forest before breaking onto open slabs and ledges near Bald Mountain. Chimney Rock provides a natural turnaround spot, with plenty of space to sit, snack, and look over the surrounding drainages. It’s a good choice if you want high-country scenery without committing to an all-day push.
03
Toughest backcountry route
Poker Flat and Saddleback Mountain OHV & Hiking Route
Historic Poker Flat Mining District North Of Town • Steep Mixed-Use Route Through Deep Canyon Country • Most Demanding Outing
A rugged, high-commitment route that drops into old mining country and climbs back toward Saddleback Mountain with serious elevation gain.
This is classic Plumas backcountry: rough roads, big climbs, and long stretches where you may not see anyone else all day. Hikers often follow parts of the OHV corridor on foot, using side spurs and old tracks to find quieter viewpoints above the canyon. Only attempt this if you’re comfortable with navigation, loose surfaces, and sharing sections of the route with off-road vehicles.
04
Quiet peak escape
Mount Fillmore Trail
Mount Fillmore Area Southeast Of La Porte • Forest Singletrack Climb To A Secluded Summit • Best For Solitude And Steady Climbing
A steady, tree-shaded climb that tops out on a quiet summit with filtered views and a strong sense of being deep in the woods.
The Mount Fillmore area sees far fewer visitors than the lakes closer to town, making this a good choice when campgrounds are busy. The trail winds through dense forest with occasional breaks in the trees that hint at the elevation you’re gaining. Expect a workout rather than a casual stroll, and bring layers—the higher sections can stay breezy even on warm days.
05
Laid-back creek wander
Nelson Creek Trail
Nelson Creek Canyon Northwest Of La Porte • Creekside Path Through Mixed Conifer Forest • Best For A Cool Summer Walk
A gentler trail that follows Nelson Creek, trading big views for shade, water, and a quieter feel than the ridge hikes.
This is the kind of outing where you listen to the water more than you watch the horizon, with frequent access to the creek for quick breaks or a splash on hot days. The grade is more forgiving than the big summit routes, making it a solid pick for mellow hikers or mixed-ability groups. Keep an eye out for downed logs and brush in early season, when maintenance may be light.