REV2-076-077_GreatOutdoors_Recreation2015_76-77_Great Outdoors_Recreation_15 5/24/15 5:57 PM Page 76
NEVADA COUNTY’S NATURAL
PLAYGROUND
The outdoors is an important part of life in Nevada County. There are
plenty of opportunities to participate in a variety of activities including
fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, camping, hiking, biking,
horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing.
Kayaking in Nevada County runs the
Lakes Off The
Beaten Track
DAVID CROSS
PENNER LAKE: This is a dramatic lake in a
rocky basin perched high above the surrounding lakes. The 5.4-mile out-and-back
hike has it all: 5-star camping, superlative
swimming and picture-postcard scenery
along a patchwork of lakes in Tahoe
National Forest. A couple hours of hiking
with some moderate elevation changes will
bring you to this lovely little lake along the
Crooked Lakes Trail.
ISLAND LAKE: This is a very photogenic lake
that is a favorite swimming hole and offers
challenging Lake, Rainbow and Brown trout
fishing. As one hiker describes it, “You can
make this a day trip or backpack in for a
day or two.” Start your hike at Carr Lake
trail head, follow the well marked trail to
Island Lake. Approximate round trip walking
time 2.5 – 3.5 hours.
KIAL JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
R E C R E A T I O N
gamut from the highly technical South
Yuba River to flat water on one of the
area’s many lakes.
FULLER: About 70 acres in size, located at
the entrance to the Grouse Ridge Recreation
Area. Beautiful, popular lake surrounded by
forest. Lake offers good camping, fishing
and boating.
BOWMAN LAKE: Bowman Lake lies in a
rugged, rocky basin. Motor boats are limited
to 10 MPH, so this lake is primarily used by
fishermen and paddlers. From Highway 20,
take Bowman Road north. Drive about 16
miles to the lake. All but the last 4 miles are
paved.
WARREN LAKE: This is one of the toughest
hike-in lakes in our area, but also one of the
most scenic. Lahontan cutthroat trout have
been planted. On the western side of the
lake there are a number of inviting campsites. Since the trail is rather strenuous and
fairly long, it is recommended the hiker consider this at least a two-day hike.
Rafting
TRIBUTARY WHITEWATER TOURS: Offers
quarter, half, whole day and overnight
tours; 1-800-672-3846.
whitewatertours.com
Resources
A number of local organizations are
involved with providing recreational
opportunities in the area, as well as protecting our natural resources.
SYRCL: South Yuba River Citizens League.
Leading voice for protection and restoration
of Yuba River and the Greater Yuba
Watershed. Programs, volunteer opportunities, film festival, special hikes.
Information: syrcl.org,
wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
GOLD COUNTRY TRAILS COUNCIL:
Constructs and maintains multi-use, nonmotorized trails that are open to the public.
Group organizes trail rides and workdays.
Information/Maps:
goldcountrytrailscouncil.org
Rapids at Dry Creek
Spenceville Wildlife Area
76 N E V A D A C O U N T Y G O L D
SIERRA CLUB: Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan
Lodge on Donner Summit, a base for recreation. Overnight accommodations.
Information: (530) 426-3632.
ctl.sierraclub.org