01
Best lakeside loop
Lake Davis Shoreline Trail
Around The Lake Davis Shoreline • Lakeside Multi-Use Trail • Best Overall Pick
A rolling shoreline path that lets you stitch together as much or as little of Lake Davis as you have time for.
The Lake Davis Shoreline Trail wanders in and out of coves, over inlets, and past quiet fishing spots, so the scenery changes constantly even on a short out-and-back. Most sections are gentle enough for casual hikers, with only modest ups and downs and plenty of places to step down to the water. Start from any of the lakeside access points and build your own route, from a quick hour-long ramble to a full half-day loop section.
02
Best easy waterfall walk
Frazier Falls Trail
South Of Graeagle Off Gold Lake Highway • Paved Waterfall Viewpoint Walk • Best For Families
A short, mostly paved trail to a dramatic Sierra waterfall overlook that feels far more remote than the effort suggests.
Frazier Falls is the kind of outing where you can bring mixed-ability groups and still feel like you’ve had a real mountain experience. The path rolls gently through the forest to a railed viewpoint that looks straight across at the falls plunging into a granite gorge. Go early in the season for peak flow, and bring a light layer—the viewpoint can feel breezy even on warm days.
03
Classic high-country outing
Jamison Lake Trail
Plumas-Eureka State Park Near Johnsville • High-Country Alpine Lake Hike • Best For Classic Sierra Scenery
A rewarding climb into a cirque of granite and water, with historic mining relics on the way to a calm alpine lake.
The Jamison Lake Trail threads past old mining structures and open meadows before tilting uphill toward the lake basin. The final approach opens to big views, with rocky ridges framing Jamison’s clear water and scattered granite slabs for picnicking. It is a solid half-day effort with sustained climbing, but the combination of history, views, and a lake you can linger beside makes it a standout for strong hikers.
04
Forest climb with a quiet finish
Smith Lake Trail
Lakes Basin Area Near Gold Lake Highway • Forested Climb To A Granite Bowl • Best For A Workout
A steeper forested trail that rewards steady effort with a small, quiet lake tucked into a rocky basin.
Smith Lake is a good pick when you want something more challenging than a stroll but still manageable in a morning or afternoon. The route climbs steadily through mixed forest, with occasional openings that tease bigger views of the Lakes Basin, before easing off near the shoreline. Because it sees fewer casual visitors than some nearby spots, the lake often feels surprisingly peaceful, especially on weekday mornings and shoulder seasons.
05
Water-and-rock ramble
Gray Eagle Waterfalls Trail
Near Gray Eagle Lodge In The Lakes Basin • Creekside Waterfall And Pools Trail • Best Shoulder-Season Hike
A lively creekside trail with multiple cascades, pools, and polished granite slabs to explore along the way.
The Gray Eagle Waterfalls Trail follows a tumbling creek, crossing bridges and weaving among boulders as it climbs gently into the drainage. Instead of one single viewpoint, you get a series of small waterfalls and pools, each with its own character and photo angle. Cooler air along the creek makes it appealing in late spring and early fall, and the constant water sounds give the hike a relaxed, immersive feel.