Pollock Pines, California
Pollock Pines in California is the perfect spot for top outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities here include the scenic Sly Park Recreation Area and Jenkinson Lake. These are must-visit locations for hiking and water activities. The hiking trail around Jenkinson Lake is moderately challenging, spanning about 8.5 miles with beautiful views of the water. Another highlight is the Lovers Leap Trail, a 4.4-mile hike that offers stunning views of unique rock formations. For those seeking water-based activities, fishing and boating are popular at Jenkinson Lake. Nearby, the Eldorado National Forest is an extensive natural area for camping and hiking, with its own set of distinct landmarks. Enjoy the best of California's outdoors in Pollock Pines.
Top Spots in and near Pollock Pines
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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 -
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 -
Carnelian Bay, California
Explore Carnelian Bay
5.0Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off. It is usually less cr...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Peter Benson Hut
5.011.6 mi / 1800 ft gainDrive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...Read more -
Truckee, California
Donner Lake Public Docks
4.5In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...Read more -
39.333252,-120.289482Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek
A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views from Donner Ridge. Although adventuring out on t...Read more -
Truckee, California
China Cove Loop at Donner Lake
4.63.11 miThis is a casual hike in an area with a ton of history. Stop by the museum before or after your hike to learn about the Donner Party, the Transcontinental Railroad, and local Native Americans Park at the Donner Lake and Memorial State Park Visitor Center and walk west towards the lake. Cross the...Read more -
Carson City, Nevada
Hike the Spooner Lake Loop
2.2 mi / 150 ft gainThe 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 -
Carson City, Nevada
Hike to Skunk Harbor
4.5The 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
4.02.83 mi / 564 ft gainSkunk Harbor is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Glenbrook, Nevada.Read more -
Penn Valley, California
Fairy Falls Trail to Shingle/Beale Falls
4.14.87 mi / 535 ft gainStart at the Fairy Falls trailhead in Spenceville Wildlife Area Field Trial Grounds in Penn Valley (careful on the bumpy roads in). From the parking lot, cross a small bridge and make a right onto a dirt road. After about a mile you will follow the road to the right and continue through the gate....Read more -
Arnold, California
Backpacking to Sword Lake
5.0Getting There Take 108 to Pinecrest Lake to pick up a free backcountry permit at the Summit Ranger Station. (If you reach Strawberry you've gone too far.) Continue past Beardsley Lake to Clark's Fork Road on the left. Cross two bridges and Forest Route 6N06 will take you to the trailhead (County ...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Swim at Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River
5.02.74 mi / 1302 ft gainThere are endless swimming holes on the South Yuba River the feature crystal clear water, massive granite boulders and pristine pocket beaches, particularly those lower in the foothills. Many are separated by sections of rapids, but can be reached via the growing trail system of the South Yuba Ri...Read more -
Carson City, Nevada
Secret Harbor / Whale Beach
4.01.67 mi / 384 ft gainSecret Harbor / Whale Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Carson City, Nevada.Read more -
Nevada City, California
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
5.04.2 mi / 639 ft gainSouth Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.Read more -
Kings Beach, CaliforniaSUP from Kings Beach
5.0This is a super fun way to enjoy the day, get some exercise and see some really cool parts of the lake that are usually hidden. You can rent boards/ paddles at a few different places either for the day or by the hour. Bring some water, sun block and a camera...if you dare! Once the day is done ...Read more
