JOIN US IN THE LOST SIERRA!
Choose your favorite adventure
Go Adventure. Go scavenger hunt. unlock free stuff!
Escape to the beautiful Lost Sierra in California for an unforgettable weekend adventure! Download your favorite Scavenger Hunt PDF and embark on a thrilling journey through scenic trails and charming local spots. This interactive experience is perfect for families, friends, and solo explorers seeking fun and excitement. Not only will you discover hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes, but you’ll also support local businesses by claiming your prize at participating locations by hunting for a hidden QR code within each business with our given clues after you download your chosen adventure’s PDF!
Make lasting memories and enjoy a weekend full of adventure and exploration in the stunning Lost Sierra!
what type of family are you?
Read through the descriptions below and download (for FREE) the Scavenger Hunt Adventure that fits your family’s vibe best! Spend the weekend or a day with us, and explore, and hunt for clues!👇
THE CASUAL (YET CHIC) ADVENTURE FAMILY
Discover the perfect blend of adventure and style with Scavenger Hunt Adventures in the Lost Sierra! This casual yet chic family outing is ideal for your summer weekend plans. Immerse yourselves in the stunning landscapes of the Lost Sierra as you embark on an exciting scavenger hunt, designed to engage all ages. Uncover hidden gems, solve the clues in each business, and create lasting memories together.
It’s a delightful way to bond, explore, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a relaxed, fashionable manner. Make this summer unforgettable with this self-guided Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the Lost Sierra!
- Breakfast at Headwaters Bistro & Deli
- Play the Portola Riverwalk Disc Golf Course
- Grab a coffee at Millie’s Ice Cream & Coffee
- Head to Graeagle Miniature Golf
- Lunch at Longboards Bar & Grill
- Take a Stroll Around the Mill Pond
- Dinner at The Iron Door Restaurant
- Stay at the Inn at Nakoma Resort
THE FISHING (AND NATURE-LOVING) ADVENTURE FAMILY
Embark on a thrilling self-guided Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the heart of the Lost Sierra, perfect for fishing and nature-loving families seeking a memorable weekend getaway. Discover hidden gems as you explore pristine lakes and scenic trails, casting your lines in some of the most tranquil and bountiful fishing spots. Along the way, engage in interactive challenges and educational activities that bring the rich flora and fauna of the Sierra to life. This adventure promises not only fun and excitement but also a chance to bond with nature and each other in one of California’s most breathtaking landscapes.
It’s a delightful way to bond, explore, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a relaxed, fashionable manner. Make this summer unforgettable with this self-guided Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the Lost Sierra!
- Stop at Bread and Butter in Blairsden for a signature cinnamon roll and coffee. They’re large enough to share!
- Drive out to the Sierra Valley Preserve (one of the best places for birding, located at the headwaters of the Feather River)-there’s a small hike at the preserve area to view the wetlands
- On your way back into town, stop and fish the Feather River along Rocky Point Rd. (It’s awesome!)
- Have lunch at Headwaters Bistro & Deli in Portola (They will cook the trout you caught if it’s clean!)
- Head into Blairsden and peek inside the Discover the Lost Sierra Visitor Center for a special message from Smokey the Bear
- Drive up the Gold Lake Highway to Frazier Falls..this waterfall hike is WONDERFUL and great for beginners!
- Stop by Gumba’s II Go to grab a pizza, and take it up to the Brewing Lair and enjoy it with a cold beer. (sodas available for the kids)
- Camp that night at Lake Davis, and rise early for some shoreline trout fishing and crawdad hunting!
- Pack up and drive towards Johnsville to hike around Lake Madora to see a lake that is in the process of transforming into a meadow!
- Stop by the Graeagle Restaurant in Graeagle for some old fashion lunch favorites, and do some fishing (or swimming) at Mill Pond.
THE HIKING (AND SWIMMING HOLE) ADVENTURE FAMILY
It’s time to start on a thrilling adventure with our self-guided Scavenger Hunt Adventures in the Lost Sierra, perfect for families who love hiking and swimming! This summer, combine your passion for the great outdoors with a fun-filled scavenger hunt, designed to keep everyone engaged and entertained. Trek through scenic trails, discover hidden clues, and take refreshing dips in crystal-clear mountain lakes along the way. It’s the ultimate weekend outing for an active family looking to bond, explore, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lost Sierra.
Make this summer one to remember with an adventure that offers the best of both worlds!
- Breakfast at The Graeagle Restaurant
- Head towards Johnsville, and make a brief detour for a quick walk around the Madora Lake Loop Trail while the temperature warms up.
- Afterwards – keep going to Johnsville and park at the old cemetery. Hike down to the Jamison Creek Swimming Hole with the waterfall. (Wear your swimsuit!)
- Roll back into Graeagle for a lunch of barbeque at Sierra Smokeshow in Blairsden.
- Camp that night at Clio’s River’s Edge RV Park, or at the J and J Grizzly Store and Camping Resort at Lake Davis.
- In the morning grab some breakfast at Bread and Butter in Blairsden.
- Big Hike Day! Head back towards Johnsville, and stop at the Rock Lake staging area. Hike up to Rock Lake and jump from the boulders… bring a sack lunch! (Shop at The Graeagle Store or Leonard’s in Portola for your lunch to bring along).
- Stop at the Graeagle Mountain Frostee once back in town after the hike for a sweet treat!
The Mountain Biking (and Adventure Seeking) Family
Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the stunning Lost Sierra! Join “The Mountain Biking (and Adventure Seeking) Family” Scavenger Hunt and explore scenic trails, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just love the great outdoors, this adventure promises fun and excitement for everyone. Experience the beauty of nature, bond with your family, and create lasting memories.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the Lost Sierra and hunt for clues at local businesses…together!
Ride Option 1: Lake Davis Trail (Ride Level: Beginner Level All Family): Start with breakfast in Portola at Headwaters Bistro then head up to Lake Davis and start your ride where the singletrack begins on Lake Davis Road just before the dam. The trail can be ridden as a 4.1 mile out and back or as a 19 mile loop around the entire lake. There are also hundreds of miles of forest service gravel roads off of Beckwourth-Genesee Road through scenic high alpine meadows loaded with wildflowers into mid-summer months. Once finished, grab lunch or dinner Longboards.
Ride Option 2: Beckwourth Peak Trail (Ride Level: Beginner to Intermediate): Start with breakfast at Headwaters Bistro and then head over to Portola Park to view the trail map kiosk and access the Beckwourth Peak Trail. This is a brand new out-and-back trail with excellent views of Portola, the Feather River and Sierra Valley. If riding weekdays, you have a chance to see the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship crews in action as they build more new trail each week. Finish with a tasty lunch or dinner at nearby Nakoma Resort.
Ride Option 3: Mount Hough Trails and Shuttle (Ride Level: Intermediate): About 25 minutes from the Lost Sierra Visitors Center is Quincy and the Mount Hough Trail System. This is a very popular destination that offers daily shuttles through Yuba Expeditions where you can access three different downhill trail options starting at the fire lookout that overlooks scenic Crystal
Lake and the Indian Valley. Start with coffee at Millie’s Ice Cream and Coffee Company and then head over to Yuba in Quincy for your shuttle. Finish up your ride with lunch or dinner and a cold beverage at the Rich Bar Taproom enjoying their backyard patio with fun games for the kids. Added bonus: check out Mountains to Meadows on September 19-22, a brand new outdoor festival featuring a weekend of adventures, live music and good food.
Ride Option 4: Mills Peak Trail (Ride Level: Intermediate to Advanced): The Mills Peak Trail can be accessed from Graeagle at the Greens Park with singletrack that parallels Highway 89 to start. This rocky and fun trail is about 10-miles in length when ridden from town one way, so 20 miles round trip if you ride all the way up to the fire lookout that has spectacular views of Mohawk Valley, Lakes Basin Recreation Area and Graeagle. You can also self-shuttle or book a Mills Peak shuttle (in advance) through Adventure Monkeys that takes you up Gold Lake Highway to the lookout tower for a downhill ride. Start at Graeagle with
breakfast at the Graeagle Restaurant right next to the Greens Park where the ride starts. Finish your day at either The Brewing Lair or Ronin Fermentation Project that both feature refreshing local brews and food options. If you’re looking for a great place to camp out, right next door to The Brewing Lair is Everstoke, a 91-acre mountain bike playground with skill-building trails including wooden features and fun surprises. You can even spend some time preparing for the Mills Peak and Everstoke Enduro Weekend on September 14-15.
Ride Option 5: Mount Elwell Trail Lakes Basin (Ride Level: Expert): The Lakes Basin Recreation Area trails are the most advanced, expert level trails in the area that are accessed from the Gold Lake Highway between Graeagle and Bassetts. Rides are measured in “dog miles” meaning that 1 mile feels like 7 miles with challenging rock sections that make even Mountain Bike Pros feel mortal. Mount Elwell is the signature ride rated by one mountain bike website as the 3rd Best Mountain Bike Trail in the World. Start your day with breakfast at the Graeagle Restaurant, then ride (or drive with support vehicles) up Gold Lake Highway to Round Lake Trailhead to begin your ride or other optional trailheads in Lakes Basin depending on the level of adventure you’re seeking. You can ride this as a long loop or leave a vehicle in Graeagle to go retrieve the other car back at Round Lake Trailhead. Lakes Basin trails end by local brewery’s Ronin Fermentation Project and the nearby The Brewing Lair featuring cold beverages and good food for lunch or dinner.
The History Buff (Museum-Hopping) Adventure Family
You will love downloading the free History Buff and Museum-Hopping Adventure scavenger hunt in the Lost Sierra. This engaging activity combines education and exploration, guiding you through historic landmarks and fascinating museums. It’s a perfect way to learn about the rich heritage of Plumas County while enjoying a fun-filled adventure. Uncover hidden clues, enjoy interactive experiences, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Start your historical journey today and experience the magic of the Lost Sierra! Make this summer one to remember with an adventure that offers the best of both worlds!
- Day one of your history tour begins at the Discover the Lost Sierra Visitor Center for a special message from Smokey the Bear and an array of historic reading material to browse or purchase.
- Afterwards head out to Plumas-Eureka State Park. Learn about this old mining and gold panning area with an entire history mining era village to walk around.
- After your day at Plumas-Eureka State Park, make your way to nearby Johnsville to have dinner at The Iron Door Restaurant; a historic building that served as a general store and post office for this mining town over 100 years ago.
- Begin your second day of history touring at the Williams House Museum where you can walk through the old log cabin and learn about Portola’s early history, including pictures and artifacts.
- Afterwards, head over to Headwaters Bistro & Deli for lunch alfresco style
- Next, make your way to the Western Pacific Railroad Museum for an “up close and personal” experience where visitors are encouraged to climb up into the cabs of the locomotives that are on display and jump on a weekend train ride. Times and tickets can be found here. ( Train Rides | WPRM )
- Finish the Adventure out with a sweet treat from the Graeagle Frosty and a sunset stroll around Mill Pond.
HOW TO PLAY
- Download Your Adventure: Choose and download your favorite scavenger hunt adventure from the available options.
- Embark on the Journey: Follow the clues and complete the adventure by exploring the scenic trails and landmarks of the Lost Sierra.
- Claim Your Prize: Once you finish, visit a participating local business and find the hidden QR code to claim your prize.
Enjoy the thrill of discovery and the beauty of the Lost Sierra while engaging in this fun, family-friendly activity! 🏞️🔍🌲
"Plumas County is a dream to visit. Right in the heart of nature, it is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and have great adventures."
-Randy, Dad, Family of 4
Scavenger Hunt In the Lost sierra question?
Question about the scavenger hunt? Question about locations? Fill out the form below:
