2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 57

HWY 20 to I-80
WASHINGTON, TRAILS, LAKES,
GROUSE RIDGE
S C E N I C
This historic and scenic route follows an emigrant trail past such sites as the Lone Grave
which has become a memorial to pioneers who died along the way. It winds its way
through forests and the Bear Valley – a welcome sight to emigrants in the 1850s. It is the
gateway to a variety of outdoor activities. All included sites are on roads off Hwy. 20.
Nestled in a canyon 20 miles from Nevada
City, Washington appears to be a mining
town that time forgot. Occupied since 1849,
it once had several thousand residents.
Today, visitors to the area are attracted by
recreational opportunities like the Golden
Quartz Picnic Area on the South Fork of the
Yuba River five miles upstream from town
on a rough road. This is a good swimming
area for kids.
Must Do!
Scenic
Overlooks
Coming from Nevada City and just
before the turnoff to the town of
Washington is a popular scenic over-
look. Another 4 miles toward I-80 is
the Alpha Omega Rest Area which
also has an overlook.
Steephollow
Recreation Area
Area extends from the Alpha Omega
Rest Area to Lake Spaulding Overlook.
Steephollow Plantation Trail is a 0.6 mile
interpretive trail. View one of largest
hydraulic mining operations in the Sierra.
Nordic Ski Area, trailheads at rest area.
Trail
PIONEER TRAIL: A 25 mile trail suitable for
equestrians, hikers, joggers and mountain
bicyclists. The west end is easy, east end is
difficult. From Nevada City, the closest trail-
head is at Harmony Ridge Market, and
another is 2 miles further at Lone Grave.
Washington
Lakes
SCOTT’S FLAT: Day use, playground, swim-
ming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating,
boat rentals, store, camping. Take Scott’s Flat
Road, five miles from Nevada City. Info: (530)
265-8861. scottsflatlake.net
SPAULDING: Fishing, boating, swimming,
camping. Large reservoir generates hydroelec-
tric power and is owned and operated by
PG&E. Near I-80, turn on Lake Spaulding
Road off Hwy. 20 and go a half mile.
Grouse Ridge/
Lakes Area
Trails and picturesque lakes, camping sites,
picnicking, fishing. Take a short hike or stay
for days. Lakes include Lindsey, Carr, Island,
Penner, Sawmill and Faucherie. Trails include
Lindsey Lakes, Round Lake, Crooked Lakes,
French Lake and Grouse Ridge. For a taste of
the area, pack a picnic and head for Fuller
Lake. Good fishing for kids and easy access
from Bowman Lake Road. Much of area
accessed by dirt roads off Bowman Lake
Road, 22 miles from Nevada City, 4 miles
from I-80 via Hwy. 20.
INFORMATION: Maps and material at Tahoe
National Forest Headquarters (closed week-
ends), 631 Coyote St., off Hwy. 49 outside
Nevada City. [phone];
fs.usda.gov/tahoe
More Trails Pages 88 & 89
The Little Town
of Washington
R O U T E
Grouse Ridge
Kid Friendly
ROCK CREEK: Less than 1 mile loop interpretive trail through forest, includes picnic area.
From Nevada City go 6 miles on Hwy. 20, turn left at Washington Ridge Conservation Camp,
continue 1 mile to another trail sign. Turn left on gravel road, continue 1.2 miles to parking.
SIERRA DISCOVERY TRAIL: A PG&E project, this less than 1 mile loop takes you through a
variety of habitats and along the Bear River. Interpretive signs, waterfall, picnic area, BBQ’s.
Take Bowman Lake Road.
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