Penn Valley, California
Penn Valley, California is a top spot for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Buttermilk Bend Trail is a must-visit for hikers. This moderately difficult trail offers scenic views of the Yuba River and a variety of wildflowers during the spring season. The trail is well-marked, making it easy for first-time hikers. For water activities, head to the nearby Englebright Lake, ideal for boating and fishing. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge, a historical landmark, is another great attraction. This longest single-span covered bridge in the world makes for a perfect picnic spot. Whether you're a hiker or just someone who enjoys the outdoors, Penn Valley has something for you.
Top Spots in and near Penn Valley
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Truckee, California
Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail
4.015 mi / 2200 ft gainAfter driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...Read more -
Truckee, California
Swim at Long Lake near Truckee
3.71.5 mi / 100 ft gainThe story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long Lake sits amongst a cluster of both man-made and ...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Paddle Lower Sardine Lake
5.0Lower Sardine Lake is a short drive from Sardine Lakes Campground. It has crystal clear water and is a very smooth place to paddle. This is also a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are many fallen trees in the lake and a couple rocks that come up almost to the surface. The water in genera...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sardine Lakes
1.32 mi / 253 ft gainSardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.Read more -
Sierra City, California
Relax at Sand Pond
5.0Sand Pond is a great place to relax after a day of hiking or paddling. It's located between Sardine Lake Campground and Lower Sardine Lake and is an easy 10 min walk from the campground. Sand Pond has beautiful views of the mountains and is a great place to watch the sunset. There are small fish ...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Camp at Sardine Lake Campground
5.0This campground is first come first serve and is located near Lower Sardine Lake. There are a couple bathrooms located around the loop. Most campsites have trees, perfect for hammocking and shade. The campsite has great views of the mountains. There are a couple hiking trails nearby. Lower Sard...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes
4.86.19 mi / 3333 ft gainThe Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...Read more -
Calpine, California
Camp at Salmon Creek Campground
Salmon Creek Campground is a quiet campground in the Northern Sierra Buttes. Since it is right up the road from Sardine Lakes it seems to get overlooked a bit. We were able to reserve three campsites the same week of our trip. There were 11 to choose from! The campground is just passed the turn f...Read more -
Carmichael, California
Levee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave
5.93 mi / 112 ft gainLevee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Carmichael, California.Read more -
Calpine, CaliforniaGold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi
If you never travel north of the Tahoe Basin into the Sierra Valley and beyond, you should. It is gorgeous, peaceful country, with wide open spaces and, compared to Tahoe, relatively uncrowded roads. This loops takes us from Bassett’s Station toward Sattley, north on 89, a brief stop to regroup i...Read more -
Placerville, California
Rock Climb the Cosumnes River Gorge
5.0Consumes River Gorge is a good climbing spot that is relativity close to Sacramento, California. it is located just outside of Placerville, California, making it a must-stop climbing spot for any Sacramento or Eldorado county local. The climbing spot boasts granite climbing areas with over a hund...Read more -
Frazier Creek Road, California
Hike to Frazier Falls
4.01 mi / 1 ft gainFrazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months.To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Graea...Read more -
Plumas County, California
Hike to Little Jamison Falls
3.02 mi / 500 ft gainTo get to the falls from the town of Graeagle, CA take Graeagle-Johnsville off Highway 89 towards the town of Johnsville. After 4.5 miles take a left on a dirt road to Jamison Mine Day Use Parking. If you go over the bridge and into the town of Johnsville, you have gone too far. Continue down th...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak
5 mi / 1000 ft gainFrom the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Summit Castle Peak
4.06 mi / 1800 ft gainThe trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut
5.08 miThe Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freewa...Read more
