An Old West Adventure at Gold Lake

Do you ever feel the need to just wander off into the quiet of the woods? Maybe sit on a fallen log next to the bubbling brook and listen to the birds sing or take a dip in a cool mountain lake that seems to have been forgotten? I visited a place recently in the Lakes Basin that offers all that and more, Gold Lake Lodge near Graeagle, Ca. This peaceful hideaway is adjacent to several hiking trails that lead to 16 sparkling high mountain lakes. The closest of these lakes being a short 20 minute hike from the lodge. You could hike all day and never visit the same lake twice. All of the lakes have fish in them except for the smallest one. Gold Lake Lodge is above 6000 feet in elevation and many of the views along the trails are from the top of the world. There are also 2 old mine sites and 2 waterfalls to see as you meander along these enchanting forested paths. Eventually, if you wander in the right direction, you will run into the Pacific Crest Trial. A map of hiking trails is offered upon check-in at Gold Lake Lodge. Check-in is in the main lodge as is the dining room and a cozy gathering area. Wagon wheel light fixtures add to the old west feel of the bunk house style building. The cabins continue rustic and primitive surroundings with all the luxuries. I was so glad to find that, along with thick and soft towels and a super comfy bed, our cabin had a dispenser in the shower for shampoo, bodywash and conditioner. I have long hair….how many little bottles? What a treat. After a brief chat with friendly and laid back manager John Barker we were off to Gold Lake Stables. We made reservations for our ride, which is recommended, but drop-ins are also welcome. There are many trail ride and pack trip options .We chose to take the 1 ½ hour trail ride, very reasonable at $44.00. The 1 hour ride is $34.00. Longer trail rides, pack trips and a youth program are also available through Reid Horse and Cattle Company who also own and operate Graeagle Stables. A full list of services, rate and contact information can be found online at www.reidhorse.com or by calling one of the stables or the home office in Quincy, Ca. Gold Lake Lodge also has brochures and will be glad to help you arrange you riding adventure. I love to ride but rarely get the chance so our ride was a special treat for me. Our guide was young and cheerful Jennifer Russon. She gave us a brief lesson in horseback riding that was full of valuable information and overflowing with humor and we were off. The trail we followed was barely detectable giving the relaxing feel of just strolling over the creek and through woods; although I’m sure Jennifer and the horses all knew the way. The ride began right on the banks of Gold Lake and the vistas throughout were remarkable. For the second time on this trip I was swept away to the old west. The slower pace of life in general and the closeness to the land are easily forgotten in busy city lives. At the end of our ride we tipped Rory and E-Z, our rides on the tour, with a green juicy apple and Jennifer, our guide, with cash and headed back to Gold Lake Lodge. We lounged in the padded lawn furniture under the moss covered pines and traded stories with the other guests of the days excursions before we all went in for dinner. Breakfast, a lunch for the trail, and dinner are all included in the price of your stay. The kitchen is open to the public but reservations are recommended as the dining room has limited seating. Dinner entrees change daily and a hearty breakfast menu, including homemade muffins, is available. Our dinner was delectable. Our first course was a tangy cilantro lime soup, followed by spinach salad with peaches, pine nuts and poppy seed dressing. I chose the turkey scaloppini and Ben had top sirloin steak with sautéed mushrooms, both cooked to perfection. Sides for the evening were scalloped potatoes, grilled summer vegetables and homemade bread…excellent meal. As if that didn’t have us waddling full dessert choices were every fruit in the kitchen crisp, peanut butter pie and vanilla ice cream. My compliments to the chef Richard Cramer. An after dinner walk was definitely in order. As we walked along the nearest path to our cabin I noticed several snow plants growing just off the trail. This plant is unique to shady conifer forest floors, has no chlorophyll and has a partner type relationship with a certain underground fungi. A very interesting read on this beautiful red flowering unusual plant can be found at www.calflora.net. After our walk we sat on the porch of our little cabin and watched the neighbors play a game of ping pong over by the recreation hall. The next morning we slept in, breakfast is served until 9:30 so we were in no rush. We were greeted for breakfast in the lodge by bright-eyed and busy-tailed James Hainsworth , the same chipper gentleman who checked us in. After breakfast I had an opportunity to chat with chef, Richard Cramer, who had an interesting story to tell. He had read about the wolverine sighting in our June edition and it turns out that Mr. Cramer has also seen a wolverine. He saw it near Elwell Lodge which is also in the Lakes Basin and not far from Gold Lake Lodge. He reported the sighting to Mt. Hough ranger district but the biologist was unable to locate the animal. Elwell Lodge is near the Tahoe National Forest border but is in Plumas National Forest, so maybe those wolverines are still around here. Please tell us about your sightings by visiting our website at www.mountainvalleylivingmagazine.com.