Paradise Lake
Three-day backpacking experience
Paradise Lake is a classic Sierra Nevada alpine respite. Lined with sunny granite platforms, and wind-strewn Jeffery Pines and Sierra Junipers, this beautiful backpackers’ camp is all about summer swims and star-filled skies. Plus, it’s a very moderate hike to reach it.
After a shuttle drop-off at the Hole-in-the-Ground trailhead, guests will be led along the forest road to below Castle Peak and on to the Pacific Crest Trail, heading north. Over the short climb to Castle Pass, our route follows the famed PCT into scenic Round Valley, up Basin Peak passed two natural, year-round springs and down into dense old-growth forest. Paradise Lake sits above its namesake valley, one mile off of the main thoroughfare. The campsites are plentiful and its name couldn’t be better suited.
Based on group-goals and weather, we’ll set off early on day two to catch the threaded, cairned Mt. Lola Trail on an attempt at its summit, approximately 9,200’ above the sea level. White Rock Lake gives us a great spot for snacks, lunch, and cooling off before or after we top out.
Map: National Geographic Trails Illustrated - Tahoe National Forest: Sierra Buttes/Donner Pass #805
trip itinerary
DAY 1 Meet the group in Truckee CA.
The night before we set off, Pika staff will meet your party at any number of locations in town, preferably at your choice of lodging or home, but we can make a coffee shop or restaurant work just as well. There, we’ll get acquainted, discuss the trip, weather concerns, and address any last minute concerns that arise. We’ll also distribute gear and sign any remaining paperwork. Then it’s off to bed early for a dawn patrol start to the trailhead on Donner Summit.
DAY 2 Hike to Paradise Lake.
We will meet in the morning for a light breakfast then then we’re off into the old-growth forests of the northern Sierra Nevada, and through undulating shaded single-track until the moderate Castle Pass. We’ll traipse through the classic Round Valley, up the west face of Basin Peak, and soon consider a break at one of the many year-round springs that flow along this section of trail. It won’t be long until we see the faded, cracked tree-marker pointing northwest to our destination, the granite-pocked Paradise Lake.
DAY 3 Summit Mt Lola.
After a sunrise, lake-side breakfast, we will shoot to summit the not-to-distant Mt. Lola, or consider stopping short to swim the banks of White Rock Lake, a larger water-source for points west of Truckee. We’ll do some route finding along the way, as the trail to White Rock is only a half-mile off of the PCT, but it’s vaguely marked. This provides a very safe and fun way to learn about backcountry navigation.
DAY 4 Hike out and return to Truckee.
We’ll spend a relaxing morning with a great breakfast along the lake, and packing up for the hike out along the Pacific Crest Trail south, targeting Round Valley and Castle Pass. Along the way, we’ll reflect on the trip’s highs and lows, chat about your wilderness goals, and touch upon the things we can all do to ensure people for years to come get to enjoy the same sort of backcountry you just experienced.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodations
- 1st night's lodging at Hotel in Truckee
- 2 nights of wilderness tent camping
gear
- Bowl, Plate, Mug, and Silverware
- Bear canisters for food storage
- Emergency communication equipment
- Group First AId kit
Meals
- All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDEd
Personal clothing, rain-gear & footwear
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Trip Insurance (strongly recommended)
Airfare
Evacuations
additional information
Cancellation policy
50% of trip price is due upon registration; remainder due 20 days before start of trip.
Cancelations made within 30 days of trip start are 100% refundable
Cancelations made between 29 and 16 days before start date are 50% refundable
No-shows and trip cancelations made within 15 days are non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
Outside of severe thunderstorms and risk to guests, rain showers won’t deter the trip. Expect very warm afternoons and comfortable nights, ranging from 80º to 40º, often slightly warmer or cooler. The days heat up very quickly.
Single Travelers
We welcome solo travelers. Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, Pika will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge.
Personal Backpacking Gear
If you prefer to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and backpack, that is no problem. We’ll help you assess it at our pre-trip meeting.