The stone statue of a miner panning gold in Auburn, California. Gold was discovered here in 1848.

Tremendous Tahoe National Forest

A ranch sit brought Rick and I to northern California. Previously, we hiked Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and drank our way through Sonoma and Napa, but we had not ventured into the northeastern area of this state.

We were mesmerized by the beauty of the region. The winding roads lined with stately pine and redwood trees and the western towns filled with gold mining museums were a delight.

Three gold mining towns were our favorites, making us feel like we were in a western on a Hollywood set. Boutiques and antique stores, restaurants and coffee shops, were spread through the old streets under the forest setting.

Here are our secrets of this region.

Auburn – located right on the main highway, this gold mining town featured the cute statues of gold miners.

Grass Valley – this town had a cute downtown and the Empire Mine State Park. This was the oldest gold mine in the state with miles of hiking trails.

Nevada City – this was our favorite with the delicious americanos at Three Forks Bakery and Brewing along the quaint streets and Saturday morning farmers market.

We drove to Reno and took the winding Highway 431 into the Lake Tahoe area. Skirting the north shore, we found Syd’s Bagelery & Espresso on 550 N Lake Blvd in Tahoe City. Sitting on the patio overlooking the lake, we watched the hikers and bikers pass in front of us on the trails around the lake.

 

 

Here are a few fabulous easy hikes around Lake Tahoe:

Emerald Point Trail – pull off on the lake side of the road at Emerald Bay Lookout. 4.4 miles RT

Eagle Lake Trail – the trail is right across the street from Emerald Bay Overlook. 1.8 miles RT

Hidden Beach Trail – there is no official trailhead but coming from Incline Village, drive south on Highway 28. After you pass Lakeshore Blvd, drive 0.9 miles. You will see cars along the highway. Park and follow the cow path down to the water. 0.5 RT

Cave Rock – the pullout is just past the tunnel near Cave Rock State Park 1.6 miles RT

Secret Cove – this has incredible views. Begin at the Chimney Beach Overlook parking lot. Walk down to the cove and then continue along the water to Chimney Beach. 2.6 miles RT

Cascade Falls – starts at Bayview Trailhead on Emerald Bay Road which is located right across the street from Inspiration Point. 1.5 miles RT

We were advised to take a swim at Skunk Harbor. Next trip !!