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Gold Valley and Gold Lake

Discussion in 'Trip Reports' started by computeruser6, Mar 5, 2016.

  1. Mar 5, 2016 at 11:13 AM
    #1
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 [OP] Gott Mit Uns

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    Dirk
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    Why isn't anyone else filling this section of the forum up yet? This post will be on a trail in Northern California back when I still had the Tacoma.

    The Gold Valley area can be reached from the north by taking CA-89 (Graeagle is the closest town of any significance) and heading west towards Graeagle-Johnsville Road. From the south CA-49 can be used to reach Gold Lake Highway. The trail has some rocky and narrow portions that any truck with decent ground clearance and tires should get through just fine. From the Guide to Northern California Backroads and 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells (Mr. Wells has since converted his separate California books into a single book):

    From Auburn and Grass Valley, take Hwy. 49 north and east past Downieville and on to tiny Bassetts. From Truckee, take Hwy. 89 north to 49 then go west to Bassetts. From Bassetts Station, take Gold Lake Highway west then north about a mile and a half. Turn left over a bridge following signs to Sardine Lake. After 0.2 miles turn right towards Packer Lake. Go another 2.7 miles and turn left. Climb uphill until you reach Packer Saddle at the top of a ridge in another 1.6 miles. You’ll continue straight on a gravel road for Gold Valley Trail. Deer Lake Trail is to the right and Sierra Buttes Lookout is left on the paved road.

    The area around Gold Valley (and the Tahoe National Forest in general) is simply astounding. I went here last September so there were no snow problems but obviously that’s a different case during the winter and early spring months. The trail happens to overlap with the Pacific Crest Trail in some spots so be sure to watch out for hikers and cyclists. As always, be sure to share these photos and videos with your friends. Enjoy!

    Location of a campground by Gold Lake:

    Gold_Lake_1.jpg Gold_Lake_2.jpg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvzbZWN-rvM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHjbS2KnIs4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5o0Oh3vFKQ

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxjA_PwGGNA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5J0BG8mgaY

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH3VAzmARq8

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqZRBDwP8sw

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPRqy7DqFU4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cxKgicEqLI

    I have more pictures on my blog for any who are interested.

    DSCF6153.jpg DSCF6160.jpg

    DSCF6165.jpg DSCF6176.jpg

    DSCF6196.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2016
    equin likes this.
  2. Mar 5, 2016 at 11:15 AM
    #2
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Nice trip report. This section is lacking but hopefully as summer comes around there will be a lot more people posting up.
     
  3. Mar 13, 2016 at 11:45 AM
    #3
    rymo86

    rymo86 Tahoe Tundra

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    Awesome trip and right down the road. Going to have to check it out once the snow thaws... just got another foot last night so back to the snowboard for now.
     
  4. Mar 30, 2016 at 9:10 PM
    #4
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 [OP] Gott Mit Uns

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    It's definitely worth it. I have some other photos of the area like Poker Flat that I need to get around to posting on my blog and here. You might be able to go on some of the trails with snow on the trail; I did once back in 2012. You just have to drive carefully...
     
  5. Mar 30, 2016 at 9:18 PM
    #5
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

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    Looks like a great place to take a trip!
     

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