Hiking & Outdoor Recreation

Lakes, peaks, and town paths on the Plumas National Forest and in Portola—paired with heritage stops on our visit page.

Sierra Valley outdoors

Seasonal access, fire closures, and snow can change quickly—confirm with the Plumas National Forest and city pages before you go.

Each card includes Directions (Google Maps) and Map (OpenStreetMap search)—same pattern as the visit & heritage guide.

Lakes & water

High-country reservoirs: boating, fishing, camping, and ice fishing when conditions allow.

Fish planting operation at Frenchman Lake, Plumas National Forest

Frenchman Lake Recreation Area

North of Chilcoot via Forest Road 284 from Highway 70. Trout fishing, boating, swimming, and campgrounds such as Big Cove when open.

  • Winter: Ice fishing and snow access when roads are safe.
  • Photo: CDFW fish planting (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons).
Plumas NF Directions Map
Bucks Lake reservoir in Plumas National Forest, California

Lake Davis Recreation Area

North of Portola: fly fishing, quiet boating (no jet skis or waterskiing), and a roughly seven-mile shoreline loop on the south and east sides. Campgrounds include Grizzly.

  • Wildlife: Ospreys and bald eagles are common.
  • Photo: Bucks Lake, another Plumas NF reservoir—landscape and recreation style similar to Lake Davis (U.S. Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons).
Plumas NF Directions Map

Trails & town paths

Volcanic slopes and valley floor: check stewardship sites for the latest open segments on the peak network.

Sierra Valley ranchland and wetlands, Plumas County, California

Beckwourth Peak area

Multi-use trail work links Portola, Gold Mountain / Nakoma, and Beckwourth Peak High Camp. Terrain is strenuous toward the summit; allow several hours for out-and-backs. Verify maps—some segments are still under construction.

  • Trailheads: Downtown Portola, Nakoma, and High Camp (see stewardship links).
  • Photo: Sierra Valley ranchland (Annette Teng, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons).
Sierra Buttes TS High Camp trails Directions Map
Feather River rail line in Portola, California, near the riverwalk corridor

Portola Riverwalk Trail

Paved, mostly level path along the Middle Fork Feather River—walking, bikes, and picnics. Same corridor as the city's disc golf course.

  • Tip: Combine with the Jim Beckwourth Museum and downtown in one afternoon.
  • Photo: Feather River main line, Portola (David Brossard, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons).
City of Portola Directions Map

Heritage, reader & home

Visit & heritage

Beckwourth Pass marker, cabin museum, Crocker Guard Station, Sand Creek NHS—photos and maps.

Visit guide

Reading portal

Memoir, supplements, and Sand Creek inquiry chapter in the online reader.

Open reader

Trails change with seasons and land management rules. Check agency postings, weather, and your own fitness before heading out. This site provides general information only—not a substitute for on-site signage, reservation systems, or professional guides.