Lakes Basin Area: Map

This splendid region should be at the top of any outdoor enthusiast’s list of places to play. Over 70 high-mountain lakes are sprinkled generously everywhere -- making hiking, biking, horseback riding, and OHV trails special treats.

Sites range from primitive camping (where a warm fire in your own rock ring is as good as it gets!) to comfortable accommodations in rustic resorts that offer the comforts of home -- some compete with big-city fine dining bite for bite. Of course, clean mountain air, pristine water, and nights with millions of stars in view are free upgrades.

Several roads plus numerous trails offer great combinations of loops and shuttle or drop-off opportunities. Some of the most popular destinations are: the Sierra Buttes, a rewarding though challenging climb; Frazier Falls, reached by the easiest of strolls; and Gold Lake, which glitters best from a boat. Taking it easy, or going with gusto, the area’s only possible fault is being overly popular, especially on summer weekends.

All lakes are popular to the extent that in the Plumas National Forest, overnight camping is permitted only at designated sites. The only exceptions: back-country camping at Grass, Jamison, Rock, Wades, and Smith Lakes is permitted; primitive camping is also permitted in designated sites where road access exists such as Haven, Goose, and Gold Lakes.

For this area, the Forest Service’s large-scale map: “Lakes Basin, Sierra Buttes, and Plumas-Eureka State Park Recreation Guide” is an excellent companion to SierraOutdoorRecreation.com.