2019-2020 Nevada County Gold Digital Edition

R E C R E A T I O N
THE LAKES LESS PADDLED
ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
Nevada County is a natural
playground for recreation and
adventure seekers. These pristine
lakes are but a few that beckon for
recreational calm-water kayaking
canoeing, paddleboarding or just
floating serenely on a fine tube.
BLUE LAKE: Blue Lake is a wonderful swim
lake featuring drive-up camping, hiking, petroglyphs
and scenic views. A short (less than
a half-mile) hike leading to the top of Zion
Hill affords a 360-degree view of Lake
Spaulding, Fuller Lake and Rucker Lake,
which in itself makes the drive from Nevada
City worthwhile!
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. Easier access from Cisco
Grove. Several small ponds and Sterling Lake
can be accessed just south of the lake.
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
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.
LAKE SPAULDING: Originally created in 1912
for use in hydraulic mining, this lake is ideal
for all kinds of unique paddling experiences.
The scenery and tranquility make a side trip
to this lovely lake a great choice. Nearby
Spaulding Lake Trail offers a scenic hike to a
waterfall.
LINDSEY LAKES: Scenic reservoir operated by
PG&E. Good staging area for taking in nearby
Loney Meadows. High clearance vehicles
only recommended. Some campsites and
vaulted toilets.
WEBBER LAKE: Until recently, this was a private
resort. Now, the pristine lake at the
headwaters of the Little Truckee River is
open to the public. It’s perfect for paddlers,
birders or trout fishing. Mt. Lola trail and
Lacey Meadows are nearby. Webber Lake
Hotel built in 1863 is available to visit and
pristine Webber Falls just downstream is
an added bonus.
Kayaking Some Fun
Drops and Slides
Within a stone’s throw of Nevada City/Grass
Valley, the South Yuba boasts 40 or more
miles of class 4/5 whitewater rapids and
some of the most scenic runs in California.
Kayakers come from all over for the 7 mile
stretch, Class 4 + California South Yuba run
from 49er Bridge to Bridgeport. It has
just about every kind of rapid imaginable.
The 4 mile Edwards Crossing bridge to
Purdon Crossing bridge run, although a
short river distance, can be an enjoyable all
day trip if stops are made to appreciate
plentiful scenic beaches along the way.
Additional Popular Nearby Runs
Kingvale to Indian Springs
Campground: South Fork Yuba River,
Class 4+, 8.7 miles.
Indian Springs to Lake Spaulding:
South Fork Yuba River, Class 4, 5, 5.5 miles,
2 miles on lake.
Fordyce Lake to Lake Spaulding: Fordyce
Creek, Class IV-V, 12 miles, 2 miles on lake.
Washington to Edwards Crossing: South
Fork Yuba River - Washington Run, Class
4,14 miles.
Purdon Crossing to Hwy 49 Bridge:
South Fork Yuba River, Class 5, 4 miles.
Lake Spaulding
Whitewater
Rafting
TRIBUTARY WHITEWATER TOURS offers
quarter, half, whole day and overnight
guided tours on the nearby Truckee River
and North Fork Yuba River. From mild to
wild (kids from 4 yrs), half-day to 4 days.
1-800-672-3846.whitewatertours.com
88 NEVADA COUNTY GOLD