055_Hwy 20to80 2015_55_Hwy 20to80_15 5/24/15 10:26 PM Page 55
HWY 20 to I-80
WASHINGTON, TRAILS, LAKES,
GROUSE RIDGE
This route is also historic. It follows an emigrant road 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. And, it is the
gateway to a variety of outdoor activities. All included sites are on roads off Hwy. 20.
Town of
Washington
Steephollow
Recreation Area
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.
Area extends from the 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.
Alpha Must Do!
Omega
Scenic Overlook
and Rest Area
Hwy. 20. Four miles east of
Washington Rd. Scenic 1/4
interpretive trail and overlook.
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 trailhead is at Harmony Ridge Market, and
another is 2 miles further at Lone Grave.
Grouse Ridge/
Lakes Area
Trails and picturesque lakes, camping sites,
picnicking, fishing. Take a short hike or stay
for days. Part is vehicle controlled. Lakes
include Lindsey, Carr, Island, 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. #ࠥ5T