There are endless adventures to be had in the Lost Sierra region from hiking to mountain biking, fishing to swimming, moto trail riding to OHV, it all exists here! Downieville, Sierra City, Bassetts, Graeagle, Portola, Sierraville, and Quincy all encompass this region while Tahoe National Forest and Plumas National Forest make up the majority of the land. The term “Lost Sierra” originates from the lightly used mountains, canyons, rivers, and lakes that are relatively crowd-free when compared to the more popular regions in the Sierra Nevada. The only way to get here is to want to get here, the Lost Sierra is not on your way to anywhere, it’s the destination!
Right from Downieville, you can jump onto the North Yuba Trail, First Divide Trail, or Lavezzola Road. You can also catch a mountain bike shuttle to the top of the famous Downieville Downhill with Yuba Expeditions or Downieville Outfitters. The Pacific Crest Trail passes by Sierra City which is a little thru-hikers haven. You can also take a quick hike to Love Falls along the PCT, for the keen observer you’ll see a heart at the base of the falls.
Once you get to Bassetts you’re at the gateway to Gold Lakes Highway which passes through Lakes Basin Recreation Area. There dozens of lakes to explore, fish, paddle and swim in. Some of the best trails in the area are off of this road. Up to the top of Packer Saddle is the start of the Downieville Downhill. Nearby the trailhead to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout takes you on an uphill hike to the most amazing view of the area.
From Sierra Valley you rise and descend into Quincy. Quincy is an up and coming town with plenty to offer. Yuba Expeditions has mountain bike and E-bike rentals so you can ride the Mount Hough trail system, an awesome network of trails take you down the mountain back into Quincy
Whatever adventure you are looking for, the Lost Sierra has something to offer!
List of Places to Explore: