Portola, California

Looking for the best hiking in Portola? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Portola. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Portola

  • Emigrant Gap, California

    Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail

    5.0
    6.41 mi / 1522 ft gain
    Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail is an out-and-back trail to a viewpoint of the Loch Leven Lakes that is moderately difficult located near Truckee, California. This trail is just under 6.5 miles. If you're willing to add a little more than a mile to your adventure, you can head all the way to Upper Loc...
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  • Norden, California

    Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

    5.0
    2.93 mi / 138 ft gain
    To get to the parking area for the Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails), drive along Donner Pass Rd to Sugar Bowl Road. There is a parking area just south on Sugar Bowl Road after turning off Donner Pass. The hike begins at the trailhead across the road. An alternate starting point is further d...
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  • Truckee, California

    Swim at Long Lake near Truckee

    3.7
    1.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    The story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long Lake sits amongst a cluster of both man-made and ...
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  • Truckee, California

    Palisades Creek Trail

    4.5
    14.05 mi / 3333.11 ft gain
    After driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Peavine Peak Trail

    3.0
    8.89 mi / 2913 ft gain
    Peavine Peak Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Nevada City, California

    Emerald Pools

    3.5
    0.68 mi / 49 ft gain
    Emerald Pools is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Emigrant Gap, California.
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  • Truckee, California

    China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

    4.6
    3.11 mi / 207 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Upper Chalk Creek Trail

    4.0
    1.44 mi / 121 ft gain
    Upper Chalk Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    West Plateau Loop

    3.0
    3.15 mi / 312 ft gain
    West Plateau Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Hunter Creek Trail

    3.5
    6.43 mi / 1362 ft gain
    Just outside of Reno find a fun little hike through the hills along a creek, ending at a beautiful waterfall.  The trail is heavily trafficked and easy to follow with two creek crossings.  It is mostly a moderate but steady climb on the way out, with just a few steep spots. The parking lot has ...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Miners Trail to The "N"

    3.5
    1.89 mi / 371 ft gain
    Miners Trail to The "N" is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Oxbow Nature Study Area Nature Trail

    3.5
    0.77 mi / 23 ft gain
    The Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno, Nevada, offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to nature. Located near downtown, this small urban oasis is known for its lush greenery and dense tree coverage, making it a great spot for birdwatching and quiet walks. Visitors enjoy exploring the trails t...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    May Arboretum and Herman Pond Trail

    4.3
    1.07 mi / 89 ft gain
    The May Arboretum and Herman Pond Trail, located in Reno, Nevada, is a peaceful and scenic walk through the beautiful Wilbur D. May Arboretum within Rancho San Rafael Park. The trail is family-friendly and offers easy walking paths surrounded by a variety of plants, flowers, and water features, m...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Hike the Diggins Loop Trail

    5.0
    2.7 mi
    Check in and pay for your parking or present California State Parks Pass at the museum building in North Bloomfield.  After paying for parking there are several different options to get onto the Diggins Loop trail.  Access to the Diggins Loop trail can be found by the Park Headcounters by jumping...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Quail Run and Flume Trail Loop

    4.0
    1.45 mi / 128 ft gain
    Quail Run and Flume Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Ballardini Ranch Trail

    4.0
    2.31 mi / 226 ft gain
    Ballardini Ranch Trail is a popular 2.3-mile loop trail nestled in the foothills of southwest Reno, offering panoramic views of the Truckee Meadows and the Sierra Nevada mountains. This former working ranch, now preserved as public land, provides hikers and mountain bikers with a quintessential...
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