HWY 20 to I-80
WASHINGTON, TRAILS, LAKES,
GROUSE RIDGE
This route is also historic. It follows an emigrant road past such sites as the Lone Grave
which has become a memorial to pioneers who died along the way. It winds its way through
forests and the Bear Valley – a welcome sight to emigrants in the 1850s. And, it is the
gateway to a variety of outdoor activities. All included sites are on roads off Hwy. 20.
The Little Town
of Washington
Steephollow
Recreation Area
Nestled in a canyon 20 miles from Nevada
City, Washington appears to be a mining
town that time forgot. Occupied since 1849,
it once had several thousand residents.
Today, visitors to the area are attracted by
recreational opportunities like the Golden
Quartz Picnic Area on the South Fork of the
Yuba River five miles upstream from town
on a rough road. This is a good swimming
area for kids.
Area extends from the Omega Rest Area
to Lake Spaulding Overlook. Steephollow
Plantation Trail is a 0.6 mile interpretive trail.
View one of largest hydraulic mining
operations in the Sierra. Nordic Ski Area,
trailheads at rest area.
Hwy. 20. Four miles east of
Washington Rd. Scenic 1/4
interpretive trail and overlook.
T rail
PIONEER TRAIL: A 25 mile trail suitable for
equestrians, hikers, joggers and mountain
bicyclists. The west end is easy, east end is
difficult. From Nevada City, the closest trailhead is at Harmony Ridge Market, and
another is 2 miles further at Lone Grave.
SPAULDING: Fishing, boating, swimming,
camping. Large reservoir generates hydroelectric power and is owned and operated by
PG&E. Right off I-80, turn on Lake Spaulding
Road off Hwy 20 and go a half mile.
Grouse Ridge
Grouse Ridge/
Lakes Area
Trails and picturesque lakes, camping sites,
picnicking, fishing. Take a short hike or stay
for days. Lakes include Lindsey, Carr, Island,
Penner, Sawmill and Faucherie. Trails include
Lindsey Lakes, Round Lake, Crooked Lakes,
French Lake and Grouse Ridge. For a taste of
the area, pack a picnic and head for Fuller
Lake. Good fishing for kids and easy access
from Bowman Lake Road. Much of area
accessed by dirt roads off Bowman Lake
Road, 22 miles from Nevada City, 4 miles
from I-80 via Hwy. 20.
RESOURCE: Maps and material at Tahoe
National Forest Headquarters (closed weekends), 631 Coyote St., off Hwy. 49 outside
Nevada City. (530) 265-4531;
fs.usda.gov/tahoe
Hwy 20
heading east to
Hwy 80
Lakes
SCOTT’S FLAT: Day use, playground, swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating,
boat rentals, store, camping. Take Scott’s
Flat Road, five miles from Nevada City. Info:
(530) 265-8861. scottsflatlake.net
R O U T E
KIAL JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
Alpha
Omega
Scenic Overlook
and Rest Area
ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
S C E N I C
ROCK CREEK: Less than 1 mile loop interpretive trail through forest, picnic area. From Nevada
City go 6 miles on Hwy. 20, turn left at Washington Ridge Conservation Camp, continue 1
mile to another sign for trail. Turn left on gravel road, continue 1.2 miles to parking area.
SIERRA DISCOVERY TRAIL: A PG&E project, this less than 1 mile loop takes you through a
variety of habitats and along the Bear River. Interpretive signs, waterfall, picnic area, BBQ’s.
Take Bowman Lake Road.
N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D . c o m
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