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R E C R E A T I O N
GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY
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,
trail running, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing.
GEORGE LAMSON
LOLA MONTEZ LAKES: Six miles on mostly 4wheel drive, starting near Cisco Grove
Campground, then, a short hike. Shallow
water makes Upper Montez Lakes the perfect summer swim on a warm day. The
unique view of Castle Peak and environs is
one of the best in the area. A side detour
on the road to the “Lolas” is Sterling Lake.
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 des cribes 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.
INDEPENDENCE LAKE: Open year-round for
walk-in day use. No outside watercraft, but
float tubes, kayaks and small motor boats
are available to the public through the
Nature Conservancy. Go to Nature.org for
availability. Home to one of only two wild,
self-sustaining lake populations of Lahontan
cutthroat trout in the world
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. Beyond Bowman is Sawmill and
Faucherie Lakes. Well worth the extra effort.
WHITE ROCK LAKE: Access to Mt Lola Trail,
popular with anglers. 6 primitive campsites
with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. No reservations required. Part 4-wheel
drive road. fs.usda.gov/tahoe for directions.
Independence Lake
WAYDE CARROLL
Lakes Off The
Beaten Track
Yuba River
Rafting
TRIBUTARY WHITEWATER TOURS: Offers
quarter, half, whole day and overnight
tours; 1-800-672-3846.
whitewatertours.com
Start Exploring
Here
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
SIERRA CLUB: Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan
Lodge on Donner Summit, a base for
recreation. Overnight accommodations.
Information: (530) 426-3632.
clairtappaanlodge.com
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N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D