Lake, California

Lake, California is an outdoor paradise. There are plenty of top attractions and activities to enjoy in and near the area. From scenic trails to must-visit outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do. Popular attractions in the area include hiking trails, biking paths, nature preserves, and more. For those looking for a thrill, there's also kayaking and white-water rafting. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day outdoors or an adrenaline rush, Lake, California has something for everyone. With so many activities and attractions, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Top Spots in and near Lake

  • Carmichael, California

    Levee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave

    5.93 mi / 112 ft gain
    Levee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Carmichael, California.
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  • Carmichael, California

    Hike through the Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve

    4.3
    4.48 mi / 161 ft gain
    DetailsEffie Yeaw Nature Preserve is named after Effie Yeaw, a teacher, conservationist and environmental educator who frequented the area on educational nature walks. She was one of the leading forces behind preserving the land now known as The American River Parkway.Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve...
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  • Gold River, California

    Hike the American River Parkway: Fair Oaks Bridge to Hazel Ave.

    5.0
    4.7 mi / 249 ft gain
    This area is possibly one of my favorite stretches of trail along the American River Parkway (for my route, click here. On this trail, you'll get great views of the American River, experience lush fern gullies, and depending on the seasons can see all sorts of wildlife, mostly birds along with t...
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  • Roseville, California

    Explore The Solo Tree

    3.0
    Disclaimer: This tree is on private property. If you choose to proceed, please check in with the property owner and proceed respectfully.The Solo Tree (often referred to as #thatrosevillesolotree on Instagram) has become a very popular photography spot in the Roseville area.Drive as far west as y...
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  • Davis, California

    Wildhorse Loop

    3.22 mi / 59 ft gain
    The Wildhorse Loop in Davis, CA, is a scenic trail popular among hikers, runners, and cyclists for its easy, family-friendly terrain. The trail offers peaceful views of local wildlife and open landscapes, making it a great escape into nature while remaining close to the city. With minimal elevati...
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  • Galt, California

    Hike the Cosumnes River Walk Trail

    3.1 mi / 16 ft gain
    This trail is a short, easy, accessible and beautiful trail for a nice afternoon walk (or photoshoot).   I recommend the River Walk Trail (~3 miles).  It is flat and easy to walk.  There are multiple loops so you can turn back at any time. There are small bridges, access to the water, meadows, e...
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  • Auburn, California

    Seven Pools Loop & Vista Canyon

    5.0
    4.9 mi / 761 ft gain
    Hidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the par...
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  • Auburn, California

    Coon Creek and Hidden Falls Loop

    4.5
    8.47 mi / 1017 ft gain
    -- Important: 7-day a week parking reservations required until further notice during the COVID-19 crisis. Follow park social distancing measures. Learn more online, https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park -- Not far from California's capital is Hidden Falls Regional Park. Th...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike Training Hill

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 1126 ft gain
    Training Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon.  The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River.  Training Hill is r...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike the Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA

    4.0
    11 mi
    Parking in the Auburn State Recreation Area parking lot has a cost of $10.00.  Free parking is allowed on the right side of the road located on the right after driving over the bridge.  From here the Quarry Trail parking lot and Trail head are a short walking distance ahead on the left side of th...
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  • Auburn, California

    Rock Climb at the Quarry

    5.0
    2.6 mi / 800 ft gain
    Many thanks to the Climbing Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento (CRAGS) and the Access Fund for their hard work in re-opening this location to make it climbing-legal. Where to Park:Put in "Parking lot for the Quarry Trail, California 193, Auburn, CA 95603"This is the designated parking lot ...
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  • Auburn, California

    North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine

    5.0
    4.43 mi / 968 ft gain
    Located only roughly 40 minutes from Sacramento. This trail will allow you to view and walk under the 5th largest bridge in the US as well as enjoy the waterfall spectacle of a top releasing Dam. Once reaching Old Foresthill Road from the town of Auburn, drive over the smaller bridge spanning the...
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  • Penn Valley, California

    Fairy Falls Trail to Shingle/Beale Falls

    4.1
    4.87 mi / 535 ft gain
    Start at the Fairy Falls trailhead in Spenceville Wildlife Area Field Trial Grounds in Penn Valley (careful on the bumpy roads in). From the parking lot, cross a small bridge and make a right onto a dirt road. After about a mile you will follow the road to the right and continue through the gate....
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  • Vacaville, California

    Bike the Lake Berryessa Loop

    55.82 mi / 1007 ft gain
    Begin your ride in Vacaville, California out of Alamo Creek Park (street parking is available and free). Head north on Alamo Drive and veer left onto Foothill Drive, then left (South) onto Pleasants Valley Road. After two miles, veer left onto Cherry Glen Road. Stay to the right when you reach th...
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  • Winters, California

    Fly Fishing on the Putah

    4.0
    Putah Creek is a little over an hour drive from SF without traffic. The creek has flows beginning in April, which can reach up to 700cfs during the summer months. The creek begins to drop after September. Keep in mind that wet-wading isn't recommended until the river is under 300cfs. Most fly fis...
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  • Vacaville, California

    Bike the Cantelow Climb

    5.0
    19.68 mi / 1119 ft gain
    Begin your ride from Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California. There is a parking lot here if you drive to the start of your ride (the park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle per day). Head out of the parking lot and turn right onto Rivera Road where you'll cross over Hwy 80. The road becomes Cher...
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Camping and Lodging in Lake

Loon Lake Chalet
El Dorado County, California

Loon Lake Chalet

Faucherie
Nevada County, California

Faucherie

Oak Knoll Campground
Valley Springs, California

Oak Knoll Campground

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)
Napa, California

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

Acorn Campground
Valley Springs, California

Acorn Campground

Observation Point Picnic Shelter (Ca)
Valley Springs, California

Observation Point Picnic Shelter (Ca)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Lake

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento

Glenn Robinson