5 Bucket List Destinations in Tahoe National Forest

Must-see sights, from a towering peak with a fire lookout tower to a historic alpine lake dotted with public docks.

The beauty of the Tahoe National Forest is that you could spend a lifetime in this area and still have corners that are yet to be explored. Trails you haven’t hiked, lakes you haven’t jumped into, and vistas you haven’t gazed from yet. Why not start checking some of the spots you’ve always wanted to go off your list?

We’ve compiled a must-do list of five adventure-worthy destinations within the Tahoe National Forest that every resident or visitor to this stunning part of the Sierra Nevada range should see during their lifetime. So, lace up your shoes, grab a swimsuit, a tent, a backpack, and a map, and get out there and explore.

1. Hike to the Lookout Tower in the Sierra Buttes

The Sierra Buttes look like a mini version of the French Alps, a set of spiky, jagged peaks that rise above picturesque alpine lakes. For a must-do adventure, hike to the top of the Sierra Buttes, where an old fire lookout tower provides panoramic views of the Sierra Valley, upper and lower Sardine Lakes, and on a clear day, as far away as Mount Lassen, 140 miles to the north. The hike is about 6 miles roundtrip and climbs over 1,500 vertical feet, making it a stout mission even for seasoned hikers.

Reach the trailhead at the end of Packer Lake Road, accessed via Gold Lake Highway. After hiking uphill through forested groves, you’ll reach the steep staircase that climbs 180 steps into the decommissioned fire lookout cabin, which was built in 1915 at a breathtaking elevation of 8,600 feet. Packsaddle Campground, on your way to the trailhead, makes for a great overnight stop to pitch a tent or park your camper.

2. Go for a Swim in Donner Lake

In the summer, you can fish, boat, swim, or paddleboard on Donner Lake, the sparkling blue lake that’s a flagship destination in the town of Truckee. Post up at the day-use area at Donner Lake’s West End Beach Park with or swim from one of the 37 public docks that dot the lake’s north shore. The surrounding area is famous for its rock climbing, road cycling, and hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes over the top of Donner Summit.

For a history lesson, you can learn more about the area’s early pioneers at the Donner Memorial State Museum. Don’t miss Sticks Market for a sandwich and a scoop of locally-made ice cream at the Little Truckee Ice Creamery, both located on the north side of the lake.

3. Pitch a Tent in Granite Chief Wilderness

What you’ll find in Granite Chief Wilderness: uncrowded hiking trails, lakes you can jump into, gorgeous backcountry campsites, and a stunning section of the Pacific Crest Trail. For the easiest access to Granite Chief Wilderness, hike the Five Lakes Trail from the roadside trailhead on Alpine Meadows Road—it’s about two miles of hiking uphill to reach the first lake. From there, you can continue onward to the intersection of the PCT. You can also access trails in this area by taking the Palisades Tahoe aerial tram to High Camp, which is open during the peak summer season and offers a worthy view of Lake Tahoe from the top, then venturing to the PCT from there.

This 25,680-acre wilderness area is a prime spot for backpacking and backcountry camping—but be sure to follow overnight camping protocol. (Camping and stove use is prohibited within 600 feet of any lake in the Five Lakes basin and within 250 feet of the Whiskey Creek structure.)

4. Explore the North Fork of the American River Canyon

The upper American River watershed was designated a National Wild and Scenic River back in 1978, making this protected waterway a California classic. The rushing river is surrounded by steep granite walls, giving it a remote and rugged feel. From trout fishing to whitewater rafting to hiking, this is a place where you can truly get away. Bird-watching and wildlife spotting is all-time here: look for American bald eagles, mountain quails, badgers, foxes, and endangered spotted owls.

The North Fork of the American River Trail is a 7-mile singletrack that follows the river between Sailor Flat Trail and the Mumford Bar Trail, making for a good spot to explore on foot. Set up camp at the North Fork Campground accessed via the Emigrant Gap exit on Interstate 80.

5. Spot Wildflowers on Castle Peak

This iconic peak on the west side of the town of Truckee is home to many miles of hiking trails, including a legendary section of the Pacific Crest Trail. You can go for a leisurely stroll with scenic views along the Donner Lake Rim Trail or you can climb to the summit of 9,103-foot Castle Peak via the PCT and the Castle Peak West Trail, which covers above 7 miles and 1,900 feet of climbing, including a scramble over granite rocks at the top. All trails ascend from the Castle Valley Road, accessed via the Boreal exit on Interstate 80, which has a day-use hiker parking at the trailhead.

The best time of year to come? When the meadows along the lower flanks of Castle Peak bloom wildflowers in the early summer. This peak, which has glaciated remains from a former volcano, often has snow on its upper reaches until June or July, so be prepared for all conditions. The Peter Grubb Hut is an overnight backcountry hut along your way that makes for a nice picnic spot.

About the Author

Megan Michelson is a freelance journalist based in Tahoe City, California, who writes about travel and the outdoors for a range of publications. In her backyard forest, she loves going on long trail runs, foraging for mushrooms and wildflowers, and forcing her kids to go on hikes.