Plumas Eureka State Park
With great snow and a varied terrain, this is definitely a fun place to cross-country ski. The State Park is closed to snowmobiles.
...one of the Gold Rush communities in the 1850s that founded “snowshoeing” as an organized sport in the United States.
“Snowshoeing” is actually downhill skiing using long, wood skis.
DESCRIPTION:
Johnsville, lying within the Park, was one of the Gold Rush communities in the 1850s that founded “snowshoeing” as an organized sport in the United States. “Snowshoeing” is actually downhill skiing using long, wood skis. Snow conditions can be perfect for cross-country skiing or modern snowshoeing as well as the historically faithful, downhill, long-board skiing races that are held each year.
With the exception of the massive hulk of Eureka Peak, the area is heavily forested with gentle creek basins. There are three designated trails and many acres of snow play opportunities.
Gold Mountain was not open for the 2003 season and may not be open for the 2004-2005 season. From Johnsville the 1 mile of access road is plowed about half-way to the intersection of the Red Dirt Road. The last half-mile to the ski bowl may or may not be plowed depending on Gold Mountain’s operations.
Around the Gold Mountain parking lot several slopes make great play areas for kids and inner tubes or saucers.
| Parking Elevation: | 5200 feet | Base Elevation: | 5200 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7447 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Madora Lake 5000’, Jamison Creek 5200’-5240’, Eureka Lake 6200’, Eureka Peak 7447’. |
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| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Early December through March | ||
| Parking: | Skiable Area | 300 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Plumas Eureka State Park: 530-836-2380 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Plumas Eureka State Park
At Graeagle on Highway 89 turn west on Highway 506 (A14) and follow the paved road 5.8 miles to the museum.
See Lakes Basin Area Map or the topographic maps
Topographic maps: East Slope -Winter Recreation or U.S.G.S. Johnsville
ACTIVITIES:
Skiing - Cross-country (Rating: Best)
The Jamison Creek Loop Trail is a three mile circuit starting at the museum and then following park roads along the creek.
Madora Lake Trail is also a loop suitable for beginners but more challenging than the Jamison Creek Loop Trail that follows roads. The Lake Madora trailhead is a on the right on paved county road A14 a short distance after entering the Park. The trail is 1.8 miles long and circles around the small lake.
Eureka Lake Loop Trail is an intermediate trail beginning at the Ski Gold Mountain parking lot and leading to Eureka Lake. After returning from the lake you have about 2.5 miles there and back.
If you continue on up the trail to Eureka Peak, distance and difficulty is your choice. Advanced terrain suitable for telemarking is available on the flanks of Eureka Mountain with run lengths dependent on how far you are willing to climb up the steep slopes. From the peak, on clear days Mount Lassen dominates the skyline to the north.
Difficulty levels: Easiest along roads or the Madora Lake Trail. More Difficult into Eureka Lake, and Most Difficult to Expert on Eureka Peak.
Mileages: 1.8 miles to 3 miles of designated trails.
Snowshoeing (Rating: Best)
The Jamison Creek Loop Trail is a three mile circuit starting at the museum and then following park roads along the creek.
Madora Lake Trail is also a loop suitable for beginners but more challenging than the Jamison Creek Loop Trail that follows roads. The Lake Madora trailhead is a on the right on paved county road A14 a short distance after entering the Park. The trail is 1.8 miles long and circles around the small lake.
Both the Jamison Creek and Madora Lake loops are ideal for snowshoeing.
Eureka Lake Loop Trail is an intermediate trail beginning at the Ski Gold Mountain parking lot and leading to Eureka Lake. After returning from the lake you have about 2.5 miles there and back.
If you continue on up the trail to Eureka Peak, distance and difficulty is your choice. Advanced terrain suitable for telemarking is available on the flanks of Eureka Mountain with run lengths dependent on how far you are willing to climb up the steep slopes. From the peak, on clear days Mount Lassen dominates the skyline to the north.
Difficulty levels: Easiest along roads or the Madora Lake Trail. More Difficult into Eureka Lake, and Most Difficult to Expert on Eureka Peak.
Mileages: 1.8 miles to 3 miles of designated trails.
