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Plumas National Forest

Best Hiking Trails in Plumas National Forest

145 reviews


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Overview

Plumas National Forest is a national forest in California.


Resources

  • fs.usda.gov
  • wikipedia

  • Hiking Trails (85)
  • Reviews (145)
  1. 1
    Grassy Lakes via Pacific Crest Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 117.1 mi
  2. 2
    Feather Falls Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 7.3 mi
  3. 3
    Grass Lake via Jamison Creek Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.1 mi
  4. 4
    Hellgramite Lake Loop via Bear Lakes Loop Trail and Mud Lake Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.7 mi
  5. 5
    Spanish Traverse Trail and Spanish Ridge Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.3 mi
  6. 6
    Round Lake Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.1 mi
  7. 7
    Mills Peak Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 19.5 mi
  8. 8
    Mount Hough Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 22.5 mi
  9. 9
    Frazeir Falls via Frazier Falls Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.0 mi
  10. 10
    Gibraltar via Pacific Crest Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 13.1 mi
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    Lisa Pinero 5 months, 2 weeks ago
    Friday Lunch Activity
    M
    ★ ★

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    HighSail9861 10 months, 1 week ago
    Smith Lake TH to Long Lake
    Great summer time lake - Long Lake. Snag the peninsula early. Great sunset hike up from Silver Lake.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HighSail9861 10 months, 1 week ago
    Smith Lake TH to Long Lake
    Great summer time lake - Long Lake. Snag the peninsula early. Great sunset hike up from Silver Lake.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotMtBoots9289 10 months, 4 weeks ago
    Mt. Hough exploration
    Incredible Moto riding in this area. The trails are groomed like nowhere else I've ever ridden. Fast and flowy.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SafeGloves7284 1 year, 9 months ago
    Track (8/26/24, 11:35:43AM)
    A I’llloos
    ★ ★

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    Darren Johnson 3 years, 6 months ago
    Mt. Elwell Loop with Ethan
    This is a challenging hike of moderate difficulty if you are in decent shape. Incredible 360-degree views! I would recommend a counter-clockwise direction around the loop. The the ascent is mostly in the shade and the decent is mostly in the sun. End with a nice dip in the creak at the lodge and with an ice-cream cone.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    NobleTornado9484 3 years, 7 months ago
    Track (9/22/22, 11:57:55AM)
    This is a beautiful area with fantastic trails and many lakes. Big Bear, Little Bear and Cub lakes are an easy hike in the gorgeous forested Sierras.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LastWatch4247 3 years, 8 months ago
    Up Hough-tollgate -TC- Berry (9/7/22, 10:06:34AM)
    Fun loop with some steep climbing and lots of fun descending. This links up a bunch of new trails built by SBTS. Will definitely be 5 star when everything is linked with single track! 100+ degrees today, I recommend doing it in cooler temps.
    ★ ★ ★

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    SnowyOasis1424 3 years, 10 months ago
    Mt. Elwell Loop
    A beautiful hike through Lakes Basin. The trail is well defined and a mix of sun and shade. There are numerous lakes along the way, but bring plenty of drinking water or a filter.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ross Hutcheon 4 years, 9 months ago
    Long Lake & Mt Elwell
    Awesome vistas, both at Lake level and from the top of Mt Elwell. The lakes basin is a real gem
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EPNolan 5 years ago
    EP Mental Health
    I’m constantly amazed how many of California’s public open spaces are virtually deserted! I saw nobody on the trail, not one. There was snow on the ground in spots, but hey, no mosquitoes. A little cold, but otherwise fabulous!
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    John Cannon 5 years ago
    Track (5/12/21, 16:23:50)
    Bike down Mt Hough
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ffnsc2014 5 years, 2 months ago
    Round Lake Loop
    I was last here in 2019. At the end of June, portions of the trail were still buried under snow. It's lovely hike with a little lake around every turn. This trail connects with others for a longer hike. Or relax and enjoy the peace and quiet at any of these little alpine lakes.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LongClimb1052 5 years, 6 months ago
    robinson mine 11-8-2020 Track (11/8/20, 7:14:24AM)
    November 8 first snow last few days didn’t take motor cycle this trip. First trip using GAIA maps they are awesome found couple gold mines need to go back check out better and ride forest service motor cycle trail in granite basin
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GentleLedge3007 5 years, 7 months ago
    Cleghorn Bar Road to Middle Fork Feather River
    Off road vehicle trail to Cleghorn Bar Campground in the Plumas National Forrest. The first half of the trail is a simple 4x4 trail, however the last mile is rough (lots of loose rock), steep, and narrow with many tricky switchbacks. Once you pass the “WARNING” sign the trail is narrow and there are very few places to turn around. We went after the 2020 Forrest fire and cleared 17 out of the 20 downed trees (we went around 2 or 3). There are sink holes off the side of the road caused by fire burning the roots of trees, and under the trail. Between the last 2 switchbacks, right before the spring (500-1000ft from the campground) there is a very large, deep sinkhole on the outer ledge of the trail that swallowed my front passenger wheel, and put my frame on the ground. It was not visible coming down the trail. We managed to get out & filled it in as much as we could, but those coming down should be aware as the rain may cause more damage.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    MnJBee 5 years, 9 months ago
    Razor Ride
    Great first experience on a side by side.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    John 5 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/8/20, 9:51:55AM)
    Nice easy trail. I only used 4x4 for one part.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    leo4christ 6 years, 1 month ago
    Feather Falls Loop
    This trail is rated difficult. A friend and I hiked it I mid April 2020. I consider myself fairly fit and felt the trail was easy in difficulty. My friend who considers herself not-so-fit, felt the trail was technically easy, but moderate in length. During warmer months, I would recommend starting early as there is some sun exposure and the hike back from the falls is generally 4.5 miles uphill. Warning: Lots of broken glass in the trailhead parking area. Highly likely that hikers leave valuables visible in their locked cars and return to find they no longer have a window and get better fuel economy on the drive home due to lighter loads. Hide your valuables.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cj209 5 months, 3 weeks ago
    Grizzly Rdg/Mt Hough Ride
    ★ ★ ★

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    Vook5920 7 months, 1 week ago
    Mt. Hough Ride
    ★ ★ ★

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    WildGlade5349 7 months, 3 weeks ago
    Sunday Afternoon Biking
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    DT Rips it 7 months, 3 weeks ago
    Babcock peak high meadows gramble
    ★

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    Brad Bodenham 8 months, 3 weeks ago
    Short loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Alexander Swann 8 months, 3 weeks ago
    Monday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bDRmRLdT 8 months, 4 weeks ago
    Sunday Lunch Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Isaiah Hall 9 months, 4 weeks ago
    Thursday Afternoon Biking
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Aly Lopez 10 months ago
    Saturday Lunch Activity — Bear and Round Lakes Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Troy Angrignon 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Sunday Afternoon Activity
    ★

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    Connor Adams 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Tuesday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★

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    Adam Cantrell 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Sunday Morning 4x4
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jeremy Saenz 11 months, 4 weeks ago
    Round Lake Spring Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LongLaurel7064 1 year, 1 month ago
    Paul and Bryan
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Sarah 1 year, 5 months ago
    Wednesday Lunch Activity
    ★ ★ ★

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    WildGlade5349 1 year, 7 months ago
    Gold Valley via Gold Lake CG
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SnowyOasis1424 1 year, 7 months ago
    Long lake to round lake via PCT loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LastWatch4247 1 year, 7 months ago
    Tuesday Lunch Mountain Biking Roostin’!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ken Calhoon 1 year, 8 months ago
    Nelson Creek, Louisa and Ken
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    DrivenMap6679 1 year, 8 months ago
    Track (8/31/24, 10:30:41AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Norm Williams 1 year, 8 months ago
    Graegle Round Lake Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Lynne Lacroix 1 year, 9 months ago
    lakes basin round lake to bear
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LoyalCamp6817 1 year, 9 months ago
    Jamison Lake - Plumas National Forest
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jlsarner 1 year, 9 months ago
    5CAN Mills Peak Lookout
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Lou Penning 1 year, 9 months ago
    Hadley Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    filip 1 year, 10 months ago
    Poker Flat Trail and Saddleback 8/31/19
    ★

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    LastWatch4247 1 year, 11 months ago
    Lake Davis
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 1 year, 11 months ago
    Track (6/15/24, 12:50:41PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Rainey Hoffman 2 years ago
    Track (5/25/24, 12:42:00PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Smadison777 2 years, 1 month ago
    Harrigan, William
    ★ ★

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    HighRainbow2021 2 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/7/24, 11:20:50AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HyperTornado3526 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/17/23, 10:27:56AM)Frenchmen loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Yiv2mJbG 2 years, 8 months ago
    Round lakes trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SharpDusk9427 2 years, 8 months ago
    Cheryl
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/3/23, 4:23:02PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Rvw 2 years, 8 months ago
    Genesee for lunch real time
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GlowGlide2993 2 years, 9 months ago
    Poker Flat Part 2
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    NobleStorm7421 2 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/28/20, 11:16:58AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SharpDusk9427 2 years, 10 months ago
    Mt. Ingals
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jim 2 years, 10 months ago
    Valley creek loop trail plumas national forest
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mike Blide 2 years, 11 months ago
    Boys to Bullard’s and Bucks
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    VastMeadow4560 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (3/26/23, 11:40:02AM)
    ★

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    vmW6GJS9 2 years, 11 months ago
    Pacific Crest Trail
    ★ ★

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    GentleAspen3420 3 years ago
    Lower Bucks Campground via 24N24
    ★

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    tmach530 3 years, 3 months ago
    Track (2/18/23, 14:25:55)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ToughPine9299 3 years, 3 months ago
    Plumas BDT
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Justin Thareja 3 years, 4 months ago
    Cool rocks mattress discounters egress
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Camstrap 3 years, 7 months ago
    South Feather
    ★ ★ ★

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    almunoz77 3 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/1/22, 8:24:11AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Joseph DeVay 3 years, 8 months ago
    Bear Lakes Loop Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EpicCaving8672 3 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/25/22, 1:34:34PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Wjstrong 3 years, 8 months ago
    Gennessee valley 9/9/22
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FlyerHiker 3 years, 8 months ago
    Lakes Basin w/Rogue Hikers
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SteepFog9448 3 years, 8 months ago
    Saddleback Mountain via Saddleback Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    eschriock 3 years, 9 months ago
    Little Bear Lake
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ken Calhoon 3 years, 9 months ago
    Lakes Basin Rim Hike (8/13/22, 9:47:05AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BrightCamp8584 3 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/15/22, 10:49:37AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ZestyLowland4961 3 years, 10 months ago
    Calfire Road - to Antelope lake
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ZestyLowland4961 3 years, 10 months ago
    Calfire Road - to Antelope lake
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rachel.doughty 3 years, 10 months ago
    Day one backpack to Grass Lake
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rachel.doughty 3 years, 10 months ago
    Day three
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rachel.doughty 3 years, 10 months ago
    Day 2
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SteepMist5389 3 years, 10 months ago
    Round Lake Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CrispWind5328 3 years, 10 months ago
    Gold Lake 4x4
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    John Rey Marquez 3 years, 11 months ago
    Saddleback Mountain via Saddleback Road
    ★

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    NobleRunBelt2692 3 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/3/22, 5:58:32PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    Marty Flora 3 years, 11 months ago
    Round Lake Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GC Hill 4 years, 2 months ago
    Grass Lake via Jamison Mine Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Gabriel Dunn 4 years, 2 months ago
    Pacific Crest Trail
    ★ ★

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    WiseRappel8833 4 years, 2 months ago
    Hell walk
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    KeenTempest5778 4 years, 5 months ago
    Rocky Creek / Tobin Road (9/3/20, 6:34:07PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Tskiride 4 years, 6 months ago
    Grizzly Ridge
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotShovel2197 4 years, 8 months ago
    Saddleback completed run
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LushDaisy2515 4 years, 9 months ago
    Clearcreek Trail (8/27/21, 2:35:16PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WarmGoggles9234 4 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/3/20, 9:17:58AM)
    ★ ★

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    DustyThicket7694 4 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/26/21, 9:22:19AM)
    ★ ★

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    StrongReef9797 4 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/24/21, 11:42:43)
    ★

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    WarmMoss7251 4 years, 10 months ago
    Saint Louis Road and Port Wine Ridge Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    autheyor 4 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/24/21, 9:52:23AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Anonymous User 4 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/12/21, 9:08:41AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    OldStorm4211 5 years ago
    Saddleback Mountain via Saddleback Road
    ★

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    MildPeak4995 5 years ago
    North Fork Feather River Chambers Creek Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    John Cannon 5 years ago
    Track (5/9/21, 08:12:5)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mandypersonal 5 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/2/21, 1:45:17PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RichLily5508 5 years, 2 months ago
    Track (2/25/21, 12:59:50PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    Sean Bogle 5 years, 2 months ago
    Indian Falls Run
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Charles Waite 5 years, 3 months ago
    Feather Falls Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    barryhutten 5 years, 4 months ago
    Track (12/30/20, 12:56:19)
    ★

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    Gregg Bromley 5 years, 5 months ago
    Feather Falls Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    1GoodBondo1 5 years, 6 months ago
    Mount Hough
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Don 5 years, 6 months ago
    Mount Elwell Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mark Fitzsimmons 5 years, 7 months ago
    Track (5/24/20, 1:53:29PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SweetJuniper7981 5 years, 9 months ago
    GL7 (8/11/20, 10:32:54AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EpicDune2962 5 years, 9 months ago
    Fells Flat - Middle Fork Feather River
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Llew Kinst 5 years, 9 months ago
    Lily Lake
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Norm Williams 5 years, 9 months ago
    Mills Peak Track (8/1/20, 10:09:57AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    MistyCliff4220 5 years, 10 months ago
    Bagley Pass to Red Clover Creek, Plumas County, CA, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/19/20, 12:08:48PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BravePlateau8327 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/17/20, 3:43:16PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/4/20, 3:15:59PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    NobleStorm7421 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (5/3/20, 11:38:44AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mark Fitzsimmons 5 years, 10 months ago
    Spencer lake moto and fishing
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FizzyRaft4404 5 years, 11 months ago
    Mount Elwell Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 5 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/11/20, 11:36:00AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LittleTrail4605 5 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/4/20, 6:25:41PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GroovyBinos9066 5 years, 11 months ago
    Feather Falls Loop
    ★

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    AvidSpring3932 6 years ago
    Feather Falls Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    PeppyRaft1168 6 years ago
    Feather Falls loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CannyHarness2383 6 years ago
    Track (5/22/20, 11:46:49AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SweetLedge6400 6 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/24/20, 10:09:02AM)
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    SweetLedge6400 6 years, 1 month ago
    Track (2/29/20, 11:56:41AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bharathi 6 years, 2 months ago
    Grassy Lakes via Pacific Crest Trail
    ★

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    PMwuyYIW 6 years, 2 months ago
    Plumeras Forest (1/31/20, 9:56:12PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    TwoDustysoles 6 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/11/20, 11:38:26AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LightBrook7408 6 years, 5 months ago
    Track (10/29/19, 2:53:38PM)
    ★ ★

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    Brad Ryan 6 years, 6 months ago
    Track 2019-04-04 18:47:00
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    concimack 6 years, 7 months ago
    Jackson Crk Trail by Mt Tomba
    ★ ★

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    concimack 6 years, 7 months ago
    Jackson Crk Trail by Mt Tomba
    ★ ★

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    Matt Jones 6 years, 8 months ago
    Grinduro 2019!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BrightXC-Ski8975 6 years, 8 months ago
    Arlington Heights via Mount Hough Crystal Lake Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 6 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/10/19, 2:49:06PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ProudRose1727 6 years, 9 months ago
    Feather Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FluffyDaisy6066 6 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/19/19, 9:50:34AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ReadyGloves1715 6 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/7/19, 12:50:24PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FairSkis2991 6 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/13/19, 15:32:23)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WindGlide9392 7 years ago
    Feather Falls 5/22/19
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    Pedram 7 years ago
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