lakes basin

jso0012014

This is a hikers paradise. An hour from Reno, 3 from Sacramento, 5 from San Francisco. Easy hikes, challenging hikes, day hikes and overnighters. Bring your fishing gear and a good bird or wildflower book.

arnof284

5 1/2 mile loop....6 alpine lakes....fairly easy loop. a couple of different ways to access, we started at the Gold Lakes Lodge, Round Lake trailhead. But you can also access from Elwell. you simply can't go wrong

MIAMISHEILA

We drove from Tahoe Vista to Lakes Basin recreation area, about 60 miles, or 90 minutes driving taking rte 89 ,then rte 49 until gold lakes highway, which is a curving road with beautiful vistas. A good place to stop and park is at rustic Gold Lakes lodge, a holdover since 1912. You can have lunch there or better yet, bring a picnic, and hike one of the interconnecting lake trails that are located a short distance from the parking lot. Lakes are everywhere. You can't go wrong wherever you visit in this gorgeous area.The area is a chain of many lakes  surrounded by mountains with hiking trails interconnecting, picnic areas, boat launches and campgrounds.Weather was cool and beatiful-upper 60's.The easiest way to get there is from. Graegle, a charming community with lots of golfing, stores in little red wood houses, etc., as Lakes Basin in just south of there.This is a lovely way to spend the day and enjoy nature at its best.

ColbertGD

The hikes were plentiful and choices abounded. You can touch the PCT or hike to the edge of a lake and relax. Gorgeous scenery of the Sierras, and well marked trails.

57timn

We spent an entire day traveling from lake to lake and enjoying every minute. We drove into almost every scenery spot in the area and we were amazed at the beauty.

Robin1947

Oh my! How many lakes can you see in a day. Gorgeous views, beautiful lakes, many, many walks and hikes. It's also a great birding spot. We camp at Salmon Creek, which is less busy than Sardine Lake, because it's not right on the lake. We like quieter and driving to the lakes. You gotta go!

Calilago

The best place in Plumas County for hiking, swimming, camping and quiet time in nature. Water is clear and clean, and the granite is gorgeous.

OldNorCalGuy

The Lakes Basin area is an extraordinary hiking venue for people of all ages. There are a myriad of choices so it has a great chance of fulfilling everyone's needs/desires. We took one of the more basic/popular routes to see the Bear Lakes and Round Lake. I absolutely agree with the earlier poster who suggested taking a right at the first fork. Even though it seems most people choose to go left, by staying right you immediately see lakes. And on this route, once you get to Round Lake (the last one on the loop) it is a very easy (and mostly downhill and fairly smooth) trip back to the parking lot. Enjoy:)

sw0n

The Lakes Basin area has some 30 lakes, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, lodges, wild life and so of the most fantastic views.

CheriLynn2013

An excellent 4 1/2 mile round trip hike through many lakes! If you start to the right you get to Big Bear Lake pretty quickly. To the left it's about 1 3/4 miles to Round Lake. It's beautiful!!

Cassietrip

The area feels remote, but it's only 45 minutes north of Truckee. Beautiful hikes of varying difficulty. The paved trail to Frazier Falls was a nice all-ages hike. Lots of small lakes, many that don't allow motorized boats. Uncrowded Sierra experience!

zelins

Easy, accessible walks. Instant gratification. Saw a bear! Wonderful wildflowers. Trailheads are readily accessible, and lead straight to creeks or lakes.

dmoessinger

You can hike all your life and not hike it all. 40 alpine lakes, beautiful mountains and no people!!

Lynster82

If you love to paddle and hike this is the place to visit. Bring your bug spray along with your gear. Plan to spend more than a long weekend as there's too much to do in 2-3 days.

vistaman

This is just a great untouched area to hike, fish and camp. There are over 50 lakes from 6000' to 6500'.