A New 600-Mile Hiking Trail Will Soon Connect 15 Marvelous Hiking Towns in Northern California

By Emerson

Wouldn’t this be an exciting new walking opportunity! I think so …

Northern California is a true hiker’s paradise with world-class trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the John Muir Trail (JMT) that traverse some of the most gorgeous landscapes on earth. And soon, we’ll welcome one more bucket list-worthy trail to our state! The Lost Sierra Route aims to highlight the majestic beauty of the Sierra Nevada by connecting 15 mountain towns in Butte, Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties. With the first phase set to launch next year, we absolutely cannot wait to see this 600-mile hiking trail come to fruition.

Consisting of lakes, forests, and 8,500-foot mountain peaks, the Lost Sierra is one of Northern California’s most epic landscapes. The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship announced plans for a new, 600-mile hiking route through this incredible region and we honestly couldn’t be more excited!

The new trail will be known as the Lost Sierra Route and its goal is to link mountain communities together for recreational adventure and economic sustainability. All in all, the trail will connect a total of 15 mountain towns, plus a small section of Nevada.

The current plan is for the trail to be finished gradually over the next seven years. The first section is expected to launch as soon as 2023. This first phase will connect the quaint towns of Quincy and Taylorsville while traversing the mountain landscape overlooking the Indian Valley.

There’s something for every type of adventurer in the Lost Sierra, from hiking and biking to fishing and horseback riding. The Lost Sierra Route will make enjoying these activities in this area of NorCal more accessible than ever.

Winding through four different counties, the breathtaking trail will traverse everything from high alpine meadows to jagged mountain peaks. Although you could certainly spend days backpacking the trail in its entirety, the trail can also be accomplished in sections for a fun day hike or afternoon adventure

Other towns that will be connected through the Lost Sierra Route include Jonesville, Chester, Westwood, Susanville, Greenville, Graeagle, Portola, Downieville, Sierra City, Sierraville, Loyalton, and Truckee. The idea is to enjoy a post-hike meal or coffee in town before setting off on a new section of the trail. Of course, you may want to spend a bit longer getting to know these charming communities!

Located where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascades, the Lost Sierra is most definitely a special place. And with this new mountain trail network, exploring it is definitely in your future! Visit the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s website, https://sierratrails.org/ , for the trail’s latest updates.