Hard · About 7 mi full route · Over 2,200 ft full route · 4–6 hr

• • • • • This rewarding route combines nearly everything that makes the Johnsville area special: forest, mining history, a beautiful mountain lake, remnants of the region’s early ski culture, and a summit overlooking the Mohawk Valley. The full hike begins around historic Johnsville, climbs to Eureka Lake, and continues toward Eureka Peak. It is a much larger undertaking than visiting the lake alone, but the changing scenery and summit views make the added effort worthwhile.

The approach: Johnsville in Plumas-Eureka State Park. Village, historic ski-hill, and seasonal Eureka Lake Road variations do not all begin in the same place, so follow the trailhead shown on your chosen map.

Along the way: A sustained forested climb, the peaceful shore of Eureka Lake, mining-era traces, and increasingly open terrain toward the peak. From the upper slopes, views extend across the Mohawk Valley and toward Mount Washington, the Lakes Basin, and the Sierra Buttes.

Host tip: Give yourself time at Eureka Lake instead of treating it only as a waypoint. Bring lunch, explore the shoreline, and save enough energy for the final summit climb and return to Johnsville.

Before you go: Seasonal roads may be gated, rough, muddy, or snow-covered. The summit is exposed to wind and thunderstorms. Plumas-Eureka State Park permits dogs on designated roads and fire roads but not on most hiking trails, so verify the exact route before bringing one. A 3.5-mile route starting at Eureka Lake is not the full Johnsville approach described here. Check where your map starts before using its mileage.

Route or area information: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e2015846641/eureka-peak-trail

Details for your plan

Why go

Choose this route when you want history, an alpine lake, and a mountain summit in a single day. Few hikes connect the Lost Sierra’s mining story and high-country scenery so naturally.

From the Lodge

Approximately 25 minutes to Johnsville

The idea

Johnsville history, Eureka Lake, and a summit in one substantial day.

Location

Johnsville & Lakes Basin

Keep exploring nearby

• Round & Silver Lakes Loop

• Bear Lakes & Mount Elwell