another chance at an
amazing short hike to the
summit. From the Sierra
Country Store (%530-
862-1181; Hwy 49; h9am-
7pm; W), there’s a vast
network of trails that is
ideal for backpacking
and casual hikes. They
are listed in the Lakes
Basin, Downieville –
Sierra City map ($2),
which is on sale at the
store. Sierra City’s local
museum, the Kentucky
Mine (%530-862-1310; adult/
child $7/3.50; h10am-4pm
Wed-Sun Jun-Aug), is a
worthy stop that ably
introduces the famed
‘Golden Chain Highway.’
Its gold mine and stampmill are just north of
town.54 p251
The Drive » Head west on
Hwy 49 along the North Yuba
River to Downieville.7 Downieville
Even with a population
smaller than 400,
Downieville is the
biggest town in the
remote Sierra County,
located at the junction
of the North Yuba and
Downie Rivers. With a
reputation that quietly
rivals Moab, Utah (before
it got big), the town is the
premiere place for trailriding in the state, and
a staging area for true
wilderness adventures.
Brave souls bomb down
the Downieville Downhill,
a molar-rattling 5000ft
vertical descent, which
is rated among the best
mountain-bike routes
in the USA. Downieville
Outfitters (%530-289-3010;
http://www.downievilleoutfitters.com;
114 Main St; bike rentals from
$60, shuttles $20; hshuttles
10am, 2pm weekdays, every 2hr
weekends) is a good place
to rent a bike and the
shuttle to make the trip,
and a thrilling end to the
journey.4 p251
TRIP HIGHLIGHTStart: 3 Lake Almanor
Those who have the time to get all the way out to Eagle Lake, California’s second-
largest natural lake, are rewarded with one of the most striking sights in the region:
a stunningly blue jewel on the high plateau. From early June until October this lovely
lake, about 15 miles northwest of Susanville, attracts a smattering of visitors who
come to cool off, swim, fish, boat and camp. On the south shore, you’ll find a pristine
5-mile recreational trail and several busy campgrounds (reservations %877-444-
6777; http://www.recreation.gov; tent sites $20, RV sites $29-33) administered by Lassen NationalForest and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM; (^) %530-257-5381). Nearby Eagle
Lake Marina (www.eaglelakerecreationarea.com) offers hot showers, laundry and boat
rentals. It also can help you get out onto the lake with a fishing license. To get to
Eagle Lake, take Hwy 36 north of Lake Almanor to reach Susanville. Then, continue
north on Hwy 139 to the shore of Eagle Lake.
EAGLE LAKE
DETOUR:
CENTRAL.CALIFORNIA.
23
(^) FEATHER RIVER SCENIC BYWAY