Choose a snow day that fits the conditions—and the whole group.

Winter outings begin with access, snow conditions, and the kind of terrain the group can comfortably manage. An established Nordic area, a short snowshoe outing, and a backcountry objective are very different plans. Start small, check a current local report, and leave time to enjoy coming back to the Lodge.

Plumas-Eureka State Park

The park association maintains a winter trail network when snow and volunteer grooming allow. Use its current grooming report and map to choose a suitable ski or snowshoe outing; an old report is not a statement of today’s conditions.

Grooming and access depend on conditions. Check park rules for dogs and designated ski trails.

https://www.pespa.org/winter

Gold Lake winter staging area

The staging area offers access to winter forest routes near Graeagle. Forest Service guidance notes that the nonmotorized connector is not reliably groomed, while other area routes serve snowmobiles. Check the current map and intended use before setting out.

Do not promise a groomed beginner track. Confirm parking, access, route sharing, and current snow conditions.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/130846

Lake Davis

The Forest Service identifies the Lake Davis Trail for ungroomed winter ski and snowshoe use. Choose a short out-and-back only after confirming an accessible, lawful starting point and conditions suited to your experience.

An ungroomed trail is not the same as a maintained Nordic center. Winter parking and approach conditions need a separate check.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd575320.pdf

For a first outing, choose an established area with recent access information and ask for a suitable short route. A summer hiking map alone does not tell you whether winter travel is appropriate.

Snow cover, plowed parking, grooming, and road access are variable. Stay off unverified lake ice and avoid avalanche terrain without the training, equipment, and current information it requires. Keep snowshoes out of set ski tracks, respect motorized routes, and use only lawful parking and snow-play areas.

Details for your plan

Location

Johnsville · Gold Lake · Lake Davis

Keep exploring nearby

• Winter at the Lodge

• Johnsville & the Ski Bowl

• Lake Davis