Calpine, California
Calpine, California, is home to some of the top outdoor adventures. The Pacific Crest Trail is a must-visit, offering a scenic route that spans over 2,650 miles. It's a challenging trail, ideal for those who enjoy a good workout. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Another highlight is the Sierra Valley Preserve. This scenic spot is perfect for bird-watching and photography. The preserve features wetlands, meadows, and a variety of wildlife. For water activities, the Middle Fork Feather River is a popular spot. It's great for fishing, rafting, and swimming. Near Calpine, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area offers over 50 alpine lakes and a network of trails. It's a great place for camping, fishing, and hiking. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Calpine provide a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Top Spots in and near Calpine
-
Calpine, California
Camp at the Calpine Fire Lookout
5.0I think all explorers agree there is nothing more serene than being surrounded by nothing but wilderness. If you are one of these said explorers, a trip to Calpine's fire lookout is a must.Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1934 and is one of 3 remaining examples of th...Read more -
Calpine, CaliforniaGold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi
5.0If 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 -
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 -
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 -
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
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
5.01.32 mi / 253 ft gainSardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.Read more -
Frazier Creek Road, California
Frazier Falls
4.01.06 mi / 79 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 Gra...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail
5.05.09 mi / 1365 ft gainSierra Buttes Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sierra City, California.Read more -
Plumas County, California
Little Jamison Falls
3.01.89 mi / 495 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 -
Nevada City, California
Backpack to Lower Rock Lake
4.03 mi / 713 ft gainThis adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by ...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
Andesite Peak via Hole in the Ground Trail
4.72 mi / 965 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
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 -
Truckee, CaliforniaMt. Judah Loop Trail
5.05.5 mi / 1700 ft gainA wonderful hike in Lake Tahoe is the Mt. Judah Loop Trail that offers sweeping views of Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains on the North Shore. As a resident on the North Shore, many of my recreational activities favor this side of the Lake but there are marvelous hikes in ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Calpine
Calpine Co Road
Calpine Lookout
Overview
Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and is one of three rema...
Calpine, California
Yuba Pass Campground
Overview
Yuba Pass Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, atop Yuba Pass on Highway 49. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of rec...
Calpine, California
Chapman
Overview
Chapman Creek Campground is located next to Chapman Creek, near the North Yuba River. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreatio...
Sierra City, California
Sardine Lake
Overview
Sardine Lake Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, near the beautiful Sardine Lakes. Visitors enjoy a wide variety...
Gold Lake Highway
Salmon Creek
Overview
Salmon Creek Campground is located in the North Yuba River area. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the...
Sierra City, California
Diablo
Overview
Diablo Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes, in northern California. It is north of the Yuba Riv...
