Lakes Basin, Plumas National Forest CA

• 5-star hike
• 4 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 530 - 1,570 ft | Peak 7,500 ft
• Graeagle, CA | Plumas Region
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The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a large, clear blue lake surrounded by a forested area with tall pine trees. In the background, there is a rugged mountain with a mix of rocky and green vegetation. The sky above is clear and bright blue, indicating a sunny day.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a large, clear blue lake surrounded by a forested area with tall pine trees. In the background, there is a rugged mountain with a mix of rocky and green vegetation. The sky above is clear and bright blue, indicating a sunny day.

Looking across Long Lake to Mount Elwell.

Though Plumas County might appear to have only three stoplights, it has more than its fair share of great lakes to discover. An hour north of Truckee and a world away from the busy traffic rushing to Lake Tahoe, the Lakes Basin is a tranquil escape full of beautiful lakes and great hiking opportunities.

Somewhat remote, for most people these Plumas National Forest lakes are best explored in summer and early fall for a snow-free experience. However, more experienced outdoors folk may get a kick out of tackling it in snowshoes, as Gold Lake Highway is plowed throughout the winter.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Lakes & PCT Loop 8.4 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,570ft (peak 7,500ft)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Lakes Loop 4.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 530ft (peak 6,860ft)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

⬤ Lakes & PCT Loop
This eight-and-a-half mile loop trail weaves around some of the prettiest lakes before ascending to the Pacific Coast Trail for some ridgeline hiking where there are even better views of the lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Adding an ascent of the 7,816 foot tall Mount Elwell adds 740 feet of elevation gain and a round-trip of 1.5 miles.

⬤ Lakes Loop
This shorter route takes in all the same lakes as our longer trail but without the hike up to the ridgeline.

Assuming you're arriving at Lakes Basin from a Southern location and travelling through the memorable scenery of State Route 49, you'll want to head up the Gold Lake Highway in the direction of Graeagle. The left hand turn to the trailhead at Gold Lake Lodge is seven miles up the road. If you're arriving from the North, pick up the Gold Lake Highway at the junction with state route 89 just south of Graeagle and proceed around 8.6 miles to the Gold Lake Lodge.

Remember to look out for evidence of historical mining activities. Both trails pass the site of a former stamp-mine, old huts can still be found dotted around the hillsides, and be sure to check out the artifacts on display adjacent to the trailhead parking lot.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with a mix of rocky terrain and dense evergreen forests. In the background, there is a large lake surrounded by trees, and beyond that, more mountains and hills can be seen extending into the distance. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a bright, sunny day.

More lake views from the ridgeline and PCT.

The image shows a close-up view of an old wooden water wheel mechanism, likely part of a historical mill or similar structure. The scene includes large wooden wheels with metal components, connected by a rope or belt, and set against a backdrop of a red building and green trees. The intricate design and craftsmanship of the wooden wheels, along with the rustic setting, make this image interesting as it highlights historical engineering and the use of natural materials in machinery.

Mining artifacts adjacent to the trailhead parking lot.

The image shows a small island in the middle of a lake, surrounded by clear blue water. The island has several trees and rocks on it. The scene is framed by tree trunks and branches in the foreground, giving a sense of depth and natural beauty. The background includes more trees and rocky terrain, indicating a mountainous or forested area.

The image shows a small island in the middle of a lake, surrounded by clear blue water. The island has several trees and rocks on it. The scene is framed by tree trunks and branches in the foreground, giving a sense of depth and natural beauty. The background includes more trees and rocky terrain, indicating a mountainous or forested area.

Photographers should be sure to bring their cameras to Lakes Basin.

Tangents:
• Official: Plumas County
• AllTrails Public: Lake Basin
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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