Outbound Collective logo

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

  • Carson City, Nevada

    Hike to Skunk Harbor

    4.5
    The parking for Skunk Beach is very limited and a little difficult to find. Make sure you get there early if you want a spot. The parking is a turnoff along highway 28, about two miles north of the junction with highway 50. There is no trail sign or anything but there is an old green pipe gate wh...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Skunk Harbor

    4.0
    2.83 mi / 564 ft gain
    Skunk Harbor is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Glenbrook, Nevada.
    Read more
  • New Washoe City, Nevada

    Deadman's Overlook Trail

    4.0
    1.28 mi / 318 ft gain
    Deadman's Overlook Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Washoe Valley, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Tahoma, California

    Backpack to Crag Lake

    4.0
    11.1 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Day 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike.  Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...
    Read more
  • Tahoma, California

    Meeks Bay

    4.7
    Nestled along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay is a great destination offering a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Meeks Bay is great for swimming especially on hot summer days or after hitting the trails. Whether you're see...
    Read more
  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss

    The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...
    Read more
  • Colfax, California

    Hike The Historical Stevens Trail

    5.0
    8 mi / 3376 ft gain
    Best known as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails to the North Fork American River, in part because of the easy access from Colfax. However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of fluids as well as carry a whistle. The entire trail is primarily shaded, pa...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Hike the Spooner Lake Loop

    2.2 mi / 150 ft gain
    The Spooner Lake Loop is perfect for any ages since there is basically no elevation gain and many benches along the trail to rest. The trail offers many educational signs describing the history, and flora and fauna of the area. This man made lake is perfect for the kids and pup. They will love th...
    Read more
  • Penn Valley, California

    Visit the Bridgeport Covered Bridge

    4.0
    The famed and picturesque Bridgeport Covered Bridge, spanning the width of the Yuba River, was originally built in 1862. It was an integral passage for a freight hauling route from San Fransisco to Nevada. This historic site is now protected and is no longer able to be walked or driven through as...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Kings Canyon Falls

    4.0
    0.63 mi / 233 ft gain
    ...Living in California, I know all about waterfalls! For me personally though, no matter the shape or size of the waterfall, it has my interest. Now when it comes to Nevada, I honestly can't think of too many waterfalls off the top of my head, but when you're passing through a town that you're u...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 95 ft gain
    Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Carson City, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Foresthill, California

    Rafting the Middle Fork American River

    5.0
    The Middle Fork of the American River is a fun and full day of Class III/IV water rafting. You'll experience "Tunnel Chute". An very narrow 20 foot wide chute that drops you into gold miners tunnel. Other popular drops and rapids include, Kanaka Falls, Chunder, Bus Crash, Parallel Parking, 101 Ai...
    Read more
  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Rubicon Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    The Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.  You can start at either point.  I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle.  Also, there is more available parking at Bliss.  Park your c...
    Read more
  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 505 ft gain
    The Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the  follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...
    Read more