One of the many hidden gems in the Lost Sierra is Plumas Eureka State Park, about 20 minutes from Nakoma depending on road conditions. In the winter volunteers groom approximately 6km (12km out-and-back) of ski trails around the park for both skate and classic skiers. There are also additional designated snowshoe trails. Trails are usually groomed after new snowfall and dependent on volunteer availability. The program depends on donations of skiers and snowshoers who use the trail system. Please donate if you enjoy the trails!

A short 9-mile drive from Nakoma will take you to Gold Lake Highway. The road is not plowed in winter, so once the snow starts piling up the area makes for a great place to explore on snowshoes. Try the winter non-motorized trail about 1.5 miles up Gold Lake Road. The trail ends at the Gray Eagle Lodge Road. If you’re feeling vigorous, continue up Gold Lake Highway as far as you’d like. If you’re ready to head back, simply go down Gold Lake Highway until you reach your vehicle.

Formerly known as Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl, the historic ski area is just up the road from Johnsville. The ski area is not currently operating, but getting to the hill from the parking lot provides for a great short snowshoe for kids, and there are plenty of sledding options depending on snow depth.

The snowshoe hike up to Eureka Lake is suited to those accustomed to a vigorous hike. It’s about a 1.25 mile trail that crosses an old ski hill and winds around the back of the mountain to the lake. Enjoy the view with a picnic or keep going and try bagging Eureka Peak at 7,400 feet. On a clear day you’ll spy Mt. Lassen, the Sierra Buttes and other peaks. Have fun going back down!

The Lost Sierra is a prime destination for snowmobilers! Plumas and Sierra Counties offer hundreds of miles of groomed trails, plus warming huts and maintained staging areas. Popular locations close to Nakoma include Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake. Sierra Touring Company offers two- and three-hour snowmobile tours in the Lake Davis area. Those operating the snowmobile must be 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. There is no minimum age to be a passenger. Optional winter clothing gear rental is available.

The Historic Longboard Races are a sight to behold! Held on the third Sunday of January, February and March at Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl just above Johnsville, racers decked out in period clothing blast down the mountain aboard 12-ft to 16-ft-long wooden skis just as the gold miners did in the late 1800s. Anyone who wants to can race for a nominal entry fee. Plumas Ski Club has longboard skis to rent for the race. Period clothing is requested for all competitors and footwear must be leather. No modern ski boots are allowed.