Gold Lakes Highway, Bassetts, CA
- Tim Mayhew
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Gold Lakes Hwy is located five miles east of Sierra City, CA at Bassetts along Highway 49-Yuba Pass. It is one of the most scenic—and easily missed—routes over the Sierra Nevada Range. I have to admit, during my early forays into these mountains decades ago, I had no idea this ‘shortcut’ to Graeagle was even there; I blithely stuck to the main highway entrenched in my tunnel vision, completely unaware of the alpine allure just a few miles away.
This High Sierra region is known as the Lakes Basin, a collection of over fifty glacial lakes tucked beneath the jagged, 8591 ft spires of the Sierra Buttes. The largest lake in the basin was named in 1850 after a miner, Thomas Stoddard, claimed he had found a mountain lake whose shores were studded with gold nuggets.
Whether truth, exaggeration, or outright myth, his story spread like wildfire through the mining camps around nearby Downieville, A massive rush ensued; local lore claims hundreds of hopeful prospectors emptied entire towns to join expeditions into the mountains above Downieville. While no gold was ever found on those shores, the name ‘Gold Lake’ remains to this day as a testament to that fevered hope. Despite the swarms of Argonauts that combed the Gold Lakes region, no permanent settlements were ever established.
Today, the basin provides a pristine setting for anyone seeking a plethora of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to endless hiking trails. For the adventurous, the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout at nearly 8600 ft (clearly visible from Gold Lakes Hwy) offers a hike with 360 degree views that are truly world-class.
As you ride Gold Lakes Highway, you’ll find charming, historic lodges tucked away at each major lake. Sardine Lake Resort (dating back to 1941) sits directly under the shadow of the Sierra Buttes (amazing sunrises lighting up the Sierra Buttes), while Salmon Lake Lodge, Gold Lake Lodge, and Packer Lake Lodge offer their own remote escapes. When the road first opens each spring, don't miss the detour to Frazier Falls; a short, paved walk leads to a spectacular viewpoint of this snowmelt-fed (i.e. dry in summer) 250 ft waterfall.
While it’s easy to get tunnel vision and stick to Highway 49-Yuba Pass, take the turn at Bassetts. Head up the hill into the Gold Lakes Basin, then drop down into the town of Graeagle for lunch at the Graeagle Meadows Golf Course. The club house at the golf course restaurant easily handles our Pashnit Motorcycle Tours groups or your classic car club with ease with an amazing view from their outdoor patio- then head to the north end of town for ice cream at the Graeagle Mountain Frostee. One of the largest railroad museums in the western United States is just up the road in Portola.
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