Compare lake outings near Graeagle and Portola by the kind of day you want: shoreline time, swimming where appropriate, or paddling. For a specific area, explore the Lakes Basin; for a ready-made outing, follow a day guide.
Explore the Lakes Basin ↗
Plan a Lakes Basin day ↗
Plan a Lake Davis day ↗
Compare fishing waters ↗ · Choose a lakeside hike ↗ · Explore cycling routes ↗
Choose your lake day
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Lakes Basin · A wide view of granite, pines and blue water
Lakes Basin · A wide view of granite, pines and blue water
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Gold Lake · Shoreline and mountain reflections
Gold Lake · Shoreline and mountain reflections
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Lake Davis · A quiet cove with kayaks
Lake Davis · A quiet cove with kayaks
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Sardine Lakes · Lower lake beneath the Sierra Buttes
Sardine Lakes · Lower lake beneath the Sierra Buttes
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Sand Pond · Sandy swimming entry and the Buttes
Sand Pond · Sandy swimming entry and the Buttes
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Packer Lake · Forest shoreline and a picnic
Packer Lake · Forest shoreline and a picnic
Scroll or swipe across · Six photo spaces, each labeled with the photograph to add.
ALPINE PLUNGES / SHORELINE PICNICS / SLOW MORNINGS AFLOAT
A FIELD GUIDE FROM YOUR LODGE HOSTS
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Lake shoreline · An easy family swim
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A village pond, a short drive, or a shoreline picnic with very little to organize.
Easy shoreline
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Alpine lake · Granite shoreline after a hike
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Walk through the pines to granite rocks and a lake that feels a little farther away.
Hike to the water
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Calm lake · Kayak or paddleboard
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Bring a board, borrow a rowboat, or spend the morning exploring a quiet cove.
Paddling
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Scenic lake · Picnic and mountain view
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Reflections, a riverbank pause, and a scenic day with no swimming required.
Scenic stops
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BRING LUNCH. LEAVE ROOM FOR WONDER.
You don’t have to turn every mountain day into a summit. Walk to the water, find a sun-warmed rock, and stay long enough for the place to feel like yours. Above Graeagle, the Lakes Basin brings shoreline picnics, alpine swims and quiet paddles together among granite and pines.
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Lakes Basin panorama · Authentic alpine lake, granite and pines
Start with Long Lake or Smith Lake for a hike-in outing. Give Rock and Jamison lakes or Wades Lake a full hiking day. Or take the gentler approach: Gold Lake, the Salmon Lakes, Sardine Lakes or a simple Sand Pond swim.
Discover the Lakes Basin ↗
THE CLOSE-TO-HOME LAKE DAY
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Lake Davis · Wide shoreline, pines and a calm morning paddle
Choose a morning paddle, a shoreline picnic or a day with a fishing rod. Lake Davis is an easy home-base outing from the Lodge, with several access areas to help you match the day to your group.
Explore Lake Davis ↗
LESS APPROACH. MORE TIME TOGETHER.
Pick a shoreline your whole group can enjoy, take a proper picnic, and leave space for an unhurried afternoon. Mountain water is cold; supervise children closely and check conditions before swimming.
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Graeagle Mill Pond · Family shoreline near the village
An easy village-water stop with coffee or ice cream nearby. Seasonal rentals add another way to enjoy the pond.
Explore Graeagle Mill Pond ↗
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Sand Pond · Sandy entry beneath the Sierra Buttes
A summer swim and picnic without a long approach hike. Dogs are prohibited; check current day-use access.
Explore Sand Pond ↗
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Packer Lake · Public picnic area and forest shoreline
A mountain-lake outing with paved-road access. Use public lake access and choose a natural entry that suits your family.
Explore Packer Lake ↗
LAKES & WATER NEAR GRAEAGLE, PORTOLA & THE LAKES BASIN
Compare the approach and the kind of water experience, then open a guide for the details that matter.
16 destinations · All water days · Shortest approximate drive first. Host estimates vary with the chosen access point, route and conditions; hiking time is additional.
PADDLE / ROW / EXPLORE
Leave room in the car for your people. These local businesses can help you get onto the water; contact them directly about equipment, life jackets, age requirements, deposits and seasonal availability.
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Mill Pond · Seasonal paddlecraft and paddleboats
A village-water outing with seasonal kayak, canoe, paddleboard and paddleboat options. Contact the Outpost for the equipment and hours you need.
Explore Graeagle Outpost & Yacht Club ↗
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Lake Davis · Kayaks, canoes and fishing boats
Arrange a Lake Davis rental directly with J&J. Ask about current equipment, launch arrangements and availability before leaving the Lodge.
Explore J&J Grizzly Store ↗
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Lower Sardine · Rowboats beneath the Buttes
Seasonal rowboats, with or without an electric motor. Reserve by phone; Lower Sardine Lake is a boating and fishing destination, with no swimming.
Explore Sardine Lake Resort ↗
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Lower Salmon · Public rowboat rentals
Seasonal rowboats are available to day visitors. The Lodge does not rent kayaks, canoes or paddleboards; confirm operations before making the trip.
Explore Salmon Lake Lodge ↗
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Bucks Lake · Make a full day of it
A farther-afield option for kayaks, paddleboards, fishing boats and larger boats. Confirm the exact rental, seasonal access and reservation arrangements.
Explore Bucks Lake Marina ↗
BEFORE YOU GO
Match the approach to your whole group. Confirm seasonal access, the rental you need, and whether dogs can join.
IN THE MORNING
Start paddling early, carry drinking water and lunch, and keep plans flexible if wind or weather changes.
WHEN YOU’RE READY
Dry clothes, an easy dinner and a relaxed evening at the Lodge make the return part of a very good day.
Clean, drain, and dry your craft and equipment. Sierra County requires a self-inspection before launching in its surface waters, including several Lakes Basin lakes.
Read the county’s launch requirements
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Graeagle Mill Pond is the simplest town-based choice. Lake Davis gives you more shoreline close to Portola. For a mountain setting with road access, consider Packer Lake; Sand Pond is a longer outing near the Sardine Lakes.
No. Lower Sardine Lake is for scenic boating and fishing, and swimming is prohibited. Nearby Sand Pond is a swimming destination; Upper Sardine Lake offers a hike-in alpine swim.
Lake Davis, Gold Lake, Frenchman Lake, Packer Lake, and Lower Salmon Lake offer easier access for your own craft. Seasonal rentals are another option at the Mill Pond, Lake Davis, Lower Sardine, and Bucks Lake; confirm equipment directly.
Long Lake, Smith Lake, Upper Salmon, and Upper Sardine offer shorter hike-in outings. Rock and Jamison lakes and Wades Lake are longer, roughly six-mile round-trip days. Check the individual guide and your route before setting out.
Rules depend on the exact recreation site and route. Dogs are prohibited at Sand Pond, and Plumas-Eureka State Park restricts dogs on most trails. Check posted rules for your chosen lake, trailhead, rental boat, and picnic area.
Summer into early fall is the usual window for a conventional lake day. High-country roads and trails can retain snow into early summer. Swimming temperatures, water levels, wind, rentals, and road access vary; check current conditions rather than relying on calendar dates.
Adapted from the Lodge’s October 2026 guest guide. Natural water, snow, wind, road access, fees, facilities, and rental operations change. Check the managing agency and posted rules before each outing. Drive and hiking estimates are planning guides.
Check dates for your group, or send your hosts a question about the Lodge and the Lost Sierra.
Tell us who is coming, the dates you have in mind, and what would help you decide. Travis and Brittany are happy to help.
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