01
Iconic summit climb
Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail
High Above Sierra City Off Sierra Buttes Road • Steep Alpine Lookout Hike • Must-Do For Big Views
A burly but well-graded climb to a historic fire lookout with one of the widest views in the northern Sierra.
This is the hike locals send strong-legged visitors to when they ask for the best view in town. The trail switchbacks through forest and open talus before finishing with steel stairs bolted to the rock, delivering a 360-degree panorama over Sardine Lakes, the Lakes Basin, and the North Yuba canyon. Go early on summer weekends to beat both heat and crowds, and pack for wind at the top even on warm days.
02
Classic lakes basin walk
Sardine Lakes Trail
Sardine Lakes In The Lakes Basin Recreation Area • Scenic Lakeside Hiking • Best For Mixed-Ability Groups
A gently rolling path along Lower and Upper Sardine Lakes with postcard views of the Sierra Buttes almost the entire way.
If you want big-mountain scenery without a punishing climb, this is the sweet spot. The trail meanders past cabins and granite shorelines, then narrows as it climbs toward Upper Sardine Lake, where the Buttes rise straight out of the water. It is easy to tailor the outing to your group, turning around at Lower Sardine for a stroll or pushing on to Upper Sardine for quieter picnic spots and clearer water.
03
In-town canyon favorite
Wild Plum Loop and Loves Falls
North Yuba River Canyon Near Sierra City • Shaded Forest And Waterfall Trail • Best Close-To-Town Option
A leafy loop from Wild Plum Campground that taps into the Pacific Crest Trail and drops to a dramatic cascade at Loves Falls.
This route feels surprisingly tucked away given how close it sits to town and Highway 49. You start from the campground and weave through cool conifer forest, joining a stretch of the PCT before heading to the wooden bridge and churning tiers of Loves Falls. It is a great half-day outing for hot afternoons, with plenty of swimming and rock-hopping access along the river if water levels are reasonable.
04
Off-the-beaten-path adventure
Volcano Lake Trail
Backcountry Basin North Of Sierra City • Remote Alpine Lake Hike • Best For Experienced Hikers
A longer, rougher trail that winds through old mining country to a quiet, high-elevation lake ringed by rock.
Volcano Lake is a good pick when you want more solitude than the marquee trails provide. Expect mixed tread, some steeper pulls, and occasional route-finding around old roads and rocky sections, rewarded by a tucked-away emerald lake that often feels semi-private. Bring solid footwear, a map or reliable GPS, and be ready for lingering snow patches early in the season.
05
Granite and swimming loop
Round Lake and Island Lake Loop
Central Lakes Basin North Of Gold Lake Highway • Rolling Multi-Lake Circuit • Best For All-Day Wanderers
A classic Lakes Basin loop linking multiple small lakes and polished granite slabs, with frequent chances to swim or linger.
This loop offers a sampler of what draws hikers to the Lakes Basin: short climbs, constant scenery changes, and water almost always in sight. The trail threads past meadows and granite benches between Round, Island, and neighboring lakes, with plenty of side paths to quiet coves and viewpoints. It is ideal for folks who like to poke around, take photos, and stretch a moderate hike into a full, relaxed day outside.