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
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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 -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Ski or Snowboard Mt. Rose
5.0The Resort is located about 30 miles (50 km) south of Reno in the Carson Range. Mt. Rose is Tahoe's highest base elevation at about 8,260 ft (2,520 m) and the summit is 9,700 ft (3,000 m). The resort area is 1,200 acres (4.9 km2), and is located in the Toiyabe National Forest.See the resort map h...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Chicadee Ridge
5.01.69 mi / 289 ft gainChicadee Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada.Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Mt. Rose Summit Loop
5.010.74 mi / 2392 ft gainThis challenging hike offers great views of the greater Tahoe area. The first part of the hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, but once you pass that, you'll be doing a decent climb to the summit. During the summer months, you'll want to get an early start as there can be a decent crowd head...Read more -
Washoe County, NevadaSledding Fun for the Whole Family
5.0You can't miss this spot in the open snowfields of Tahoe Meadows. This area is not privately owned or maintained, which is perfect. It is a short drive up the Mt. Rose Highway from Reno and Sparks and there is plenty of free parking (except on super-busy days) right next to the sledding slopes an...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 -
Reno, Nevada
Highland Loop Trail
2.37 mi / 453 ft gainHidden Valley Park is a large, 480-acre regional park in southeast Reno, of which 65 acres are developed that features an extensive trail network along with equestrian grounds, a dog park, playground, and numerous other features. The Highland Loop Trail is a great way to experience the park and ...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Hidden Valley County Park Loop
4.04.23 mi / 1207 ft gainThis is the hidden sight of Hidden Valley. Head south down Hidden Valley Drive from Mira Loma and turn right on Mia Vista Drive until you get to the parking lot for Hidden Valley Regional Park. Watch out for wild horses on all roads leading in and throughout your hike. There are hundreds of trail...Read more -
Olympic Valley, California
Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes
6 mi / 1000 ft gainThis hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Quick Hike and Photo Op at Stateline
5.02 miThis quick 2-mile RT hike takes you to a lookout point above the Stateline of California and Nevada. The road to the lookout is paved so beginners can make the trek to the top in the summer; winter covers the road with snow, so snowshoes or boots are recommended. The lookout offers spectacular vi...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Walk to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout site
5.01.8 mi / 340 ft gainThe hike up to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout above Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay area is somewhat of a misnomer, as the fire lookout no longer exists. Instead, the path, which follows a paved forest road, up to the site where the tower once stood will bring hikers to a panoramic viewpoint that l...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop
3.76 mi / 492 ft gainBurton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking. Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach
A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Paddle Commons Beach
5.0Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Damonte Ranch Park Wetlands Loop
5.00.4 mi / 33 ft gainDamonte Ranch Park Wetlands Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sparks, Nevada.Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Damonte Ranch Wetland Loop
5.03.07 mi / 85 ft gainDamonte Ranch Wetland Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sparks, Nevada.Read more
