01
Best waterfall hike
Stevenson Falls
Canyon Below Shaver Lake • Forest Road Walk To A Plunging Waterfall • Scenic Out-And-Back For Waterfall Chasers
A gradual forest road walk that rewards you with a tall waterfall pouring into a rocky canyon.
Starting down a rough forest road, this route feels more like a backroad ramble than a manicured trail, but the payoff at Stevenson Falls is worth the dust. The falls thunder in spring and early summer, throwing mist and rainbow spray on sunny days. Go early or midweek if you want the sound of the water without competing engine noise from OHVs.
02
Best overall lake hike
Shaver Lake Lakeview Trail
North Shore Of Shaver Lake • Rolling Lakeside Loop Through Mixed Forest • Balanced Choice For Most Hikers
A gently undulating loop that threads through pines and out to open viewpoints above the water.
This loop follows old roads and singletrack on the north side of the reservoir, giving you frequent glimpses of the lake between tall pines and granite outcrops. It’s long enough to feel like a real outing but mellow enough for most reasonably active visitors, with plenty of turnaround options if you want a shorter walk. Bring a snack and plan to linger at one of the rocky overlooks that catch the afternoon light.
03
Best for big Sierra views
Granite Ridge Loop
Ridge South Of Shaver Lake Village • Forest And Granite Loop With Viewpoint Stops • Top Pick For Light Scrambling And Vistas
A compact loop that climbs onto open granite slabs and low ridges for wider views over the forest.
Granite Ridge packs a lot into a small footprint: shady stretches through firs, clusters of boulders, and short spur paths onto sun‑baked rock with long views. It’s a nice choice when you want to feel up high without committing to an all‑day mountain objective. Kids and energetic adults alike tend to enjoy the easy rock hopping near the viewpoints.
04
Best mellow family walk
Balsam Forebay Trail
Above Highway 168 West Of Town • Easy Forest Path To A Quiet Forebay • Relaxed Outing For Picnics And Casual Walkers
A mostly gentle trail leading through cool forest to a small, scenic forebay with room to spread out.
Just a short drive above Shaver, this trail trades crowds for a calmer, high‑country feel around a small reservoir ringed by trees. The grade is forgiving, making it a smart pick for mixed‑ability groups, kids, or anyone adjusting to the elevation. Pack a picnic or a book and plan to linger by the water before heading back the way you came.
05
Best long lake circuit
Shaver Lake Perimeter Trail
Around The Shoreline Of Shaver Lake • Extended Shoreline And Forest Route • Full-Day Choice For Strong Walkers
A longer, more varied route that strings together shoreline paths, forest tracks, and quiet coves around the lake.
The perimeter route is ideal when you want to settle into a rhythm and see how the character of Shaver Lake changes from cove to cove. Expect a mix of sandy stretches near the water, shaded forest sections, and brief road or utility corridor connectors. Many locals hike it in sections, so you can tailor the distance to your day and still feel like you’ve explored a new corner of the shoreline.