Outbound Collective logo

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

  • Tahoe City, California

    Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry

    This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...
    Read more
  • Nevada City, California

    Take a Family Ride

    4.5
    Well if you start at Banner Lava Cap and Gracie Roads then you will see the canal at the top of Gracie Rd. Hop onto the berm of the canal and head north {upstream}. The trail is dirt and about 4 ft wide in the beginning and widens to 6 to 8 ft for most the way . Continue upstream on the canal and...
    Read more
  • Incline Village, Nevada

    Bike or Take a Stroll along the Tahoe East Shore Trail

    5.0
    2.75 mi / 300 ft gain
    Lake Tahoe's East Shore Trail is a wide paved walking and cycling path running between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park. Opened in 2019, the path lies completely separate from the road, sometimes hovering well above it on the mountainside, and other times running parallel to it on a bri...
    Read more
  • Nevada City, California

    Hike the Independence Trail

    4.5
    Starting from the free easy access parking lot right off highway 49 you head left up the trail. You will notice two trails side by side, one wider path for wheelchair access and another slightly narrower path for hikers on foot.The trail is set on the cliff side overlooking the South Fork of the ...
    Read more
  • Incline Village, Nevada

    Monkey Rock

    4.7
    2.64 mi / 463 ft gain
    Monkey Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Camp at Tamarack Bay on Pyramid Lake

    5.0
    0.25 mi
    Pyramid Lake is the last remnant of the vast Pleistocene Lake Lahontan which reached its peak at the end of the last ice-age, being the terminus of many of the glaciers and ice sheets which covered much of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada.Today it is an oasis in the heart of the Basis and Ra...
    Read more