Mill Creek Trail Bucks Lake

Mill About Lakeside

Hike along the shoreline of Bucks Lake on the Mill Creek Trail in Plumas County

Bucks Lake Recreation Area near Quincy has plenty of beautiful hiking trails, including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). From the Bucks Summit trailhead you can hike 4 miles (one-way) to Spanish Peak, which rewards with a stellar panorama of the Cascades, Sierra Buttes, and lakes hidden high in the mountains.

For an easy hike with beautiful spots for sunning, swimming, and lounging on sand beaches or giant rock slabs, do the Mill Creek Trail. All in, the Mill Creek Trail is almost 9 miles out-and-back; but you can opt for a shorter 3-mile out-and-back ramble along the Bucks Lake shoreline and make your turnaround point the distinct rocky outcropping that's of historical importance to the Maidu people.

From the trailhead (parking is very limited) begin hiking through a fragrant forest of pines and aspens, a nice canopy on hot days. The trail traces the shoreline, with multiple outlets to small beaches, and the refreshing lake. Wildflowers festoon parts of the trail even in late summer. You can hardly miss the rocky outcropping because you hike right up to it. This is a good spot for a picnic lunch with gorgeous views of the water and surroundings. Lakeshore Resort sits almost directly across the way. Look for the Maidu acorn grinding holes on some of the bedrock. Return the way you came.

BONUS BIKE: Across the street from the Mill Creek trailhead is the Bucks Loop Trail, a 4-mile route that’s ideal for beginning mountain bikers. The path travels through woods, opening up to a few meadows, with occasional (seasonal) creek crossings.

BONUS EAT & DRINK: Bucks Lakeshore Resort makes a great lunch or dinner spot. Their lively patio overlooks the water and the menu of burgers, pizzas, fish & chips, pulled pork sandwiches, and vegetarian dishes covers the bases. If you go for dinner, try to time it around sunset. The resort also has a good general store, with everything from souvenirs and camp supplies to first-aid, toiletries, and an array of food and drinks.

Mill Creek Trail. Dog-friendly!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In episode "56. The Secluded Sierra" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their explorations of Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View