2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 86

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
56.1°F
32°F
87.4°F 53.74''
9''
NEVADA CITY
2,477 ft Elevation 55.8°F 32.1°F 85.6°F 62.37''
18''
TRUCKEE
5,817 ft Elevation 43.5°F 16.3°F 82.7°F 38.3'' 204.3''
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.
FORDYCE LAKE: Near the legendary Fordyce
Creek Jeep Trail. Considered to be one of
the most challenging jeep excursions in the
Sierras. Not for the faint of heart. Easier
access to lake from Cisco Grove. Several
small ponds and Sterling Lake can be
accessed just south of the lake. Reservoir.
Island Lake
AVERAGE ANNUAL
PERCIPITATION
Rafting
TRIBUTARY WHITEWATE R 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, non-
motorized 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: [phone].
clairtappaanlodge.com
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.
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.
LINDSEY LAKES: Scenic reservoir operated
by PG&E. Good staging area for taking in
nearby Loney Meadows. Recommended for
high clearance vehicles only. Some camp-
sites and vaulted toilets.
GRASS VALLEY
2,411 ft Elevation
Weather
WANDER FURTHER
Locals’ Lake Picks
R E C R E A T I O N
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N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D