Portola, California

If you're looking for the best trails and outdoor activities, Portola, California is a must-visit. The top attraction is the scenic Pacific Crest Trail, known for its stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, crystal clear lakes, and unique rock formations. The trail is rated as moderate difficulty, perfect for those seeking a bit of a challenge. For a more relaxing activity, try fishing at the beautiful Lake Davis, renowned for its trout population. The Feather River is another top spot for rafting and kayaking, offering both calm and rapid sections. Close by, you can also visit the Plumas National Forest, home to a variety of wildlife and spectacular vistas. These outdoor adventures in and near Portola are sure to satisfy any outdoor adventurer.

Top Spots in and near Portola

  • Calpine, California

    Camp at the Calpine Fire Lookout

    5.0
    I 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
  • Frazier Creek Road, California

    Frazier Falls

    4.0
    1.06 mi / 79 ft gain
    Frazier 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
  • Plumas County, California

    Little Jamison Falls

    3.0
    1.89 mi / 495 ft gain
    To 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
  • Calpine, California

    Gold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi

    If 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

    Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes

    4.8
    6.19 mi / 3333 ft gain
    The 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

    Camp at Sardine Lake Campground

    5.0
    This 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

    Relax at Sand Pond

    5.0
    Sand 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

    Sardine Lakes

    1.32 mi / 253 ft gain
    Sardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.
    Read more
  • Sierra City, California

    Paddle Lower Sardine Lake

    5.0
    Lower 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

    Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail

    5.09 mi / 1365 ft gain
    Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sierra City, California.
    Read more
  • Nevada City, California

    Backpack to Lower Rock Lake

    3 mi / 713 ft gain
    This 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
  • Doyle, California

    Camp at the Fort Sage OHV Area

    The recreation area consists of approximately 29,000 acres of public land that is managed primarily for off highway vehicle use and winter deer range. Vehicle use within the recreation area is limited to designated roads and trails to ensure that the two primary uses remain compatible throughout ...
    Read more
  • Verdi, Nevada

    Fly Fish the Truckee River

    At just 121 miles long from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River continues to produce the largest trout in the Lower 48. Fly fisherman commonly divide the river into two reaches – East & West. And just outside of Reno in the small town of Verdi, the Bridge Street bridge is an excelle...
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    Mt. Judah Loop Trail

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain
    A 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
  • Truckee, California

    Cross-Country Ski to Drifter Hut

    3.0
    9.6 mi / 980 ft gain
    Set out from the Tahoe Donner Cross Country center in Truckee at 6,650 feet elevation. Day passes range from $12 to $34, depending on time of day and skier age, and provide access to over 100 kilometers of groomed trails. Leaving the day lodge, there are multiple options for skiing up to Drifter ...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Portola

Crocker Guard Station
Portola, California

Crocker Guard Station

Grasshopper Flat
Beckwourth-Taylorsville Road

Grasshopper Flat

Calpine Lookout
Calpine Co Road

Calpine Lookout

Salmon Creek
Gold Lake Highway

Salmon Creek

Yuba Pass Campground
Calpine, California

Yuba Pass Campground

Chapman
Calpine, California

Chapman

Guides, Insights and Stories from Portola

Marmot Men's Featherless Jacket Reviewed

Marmot Men's Featherless Jacket Reviewed

Mike Fennell

Outbound Reviewed: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Sleeping Bag and ProLite Sleeping Pad

Outbound Reviewed: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Sleeping Bag and ProLite Sleeping Pad

Mike Fennell

The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

Benjamin Canevari

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Kristi Teplitz

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Kristi Teplitz

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Michael McSherry