Plumas- Eureka State Park & Gold Lake Pack Station

December 2009

It's time to share another new adventure! This time we are going to take you to Plumas-Eureka State Park. What a find! One of the things we love best about www.BarleysList.org is the fact that we get to scout out new territory that is pet friendly. It's amazing how many beautiful places there are to see in California. We are surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, etc.

Plumas-Eureka State Park, 7,447-foot Eureka Peak juts above the wooded timberline. High on the glacier-scored peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the rugged park sits at the foot of the granite formation called "Gold Mountain". Winter temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees. Springtime is usually wet. Summer temperatures range from 75 degrees t the low 40's. Weather changes quickly; dress in layers.

When we arrived at the park, we were greeted by amazing thunder clouds. As we set up our camp site, the skies grew dark and you could hear the crackling sound of thunder. Good thing the dogs did not mind thunder. The camping sites are wonderfully positioned so that you feel as if you are secluded and have plenty of privacy. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. We chose Plumas-Eureka State Park because it is dog friendly. Dogs are allowed on many of the hiking trails as long as they are leashed. We strongly suggest that you hike up to Grass Lake. We have included some pictures to show just how beautiful it was. The dogs loved it because they got to jump in the lake for a quick swim.

We had decided early on that we wanted to do some horseback riding. We found Gold Lake Pack Station on www.BarleysList.org. I suggest that you make horseback riding reservations in advance. Gold Lake Stables offers one hour, 21/2 hour, 1/2 day and all day rides. Overnight back country pack trips, including fishing, hiking and photography. We had asked in advance if we could bring our dogs and yes...the cat "cliff" to the stable while we went on our ride. I spoke to Lynn who is in charge at the stable. She was very friendly and totally understood how important it was for us to bring our precious pets along. She told us not to worry that we would be able to tether the dogs in the shade and that Cliff could hang out in the tack room while we were on our ride. One of the greatest things about www.BarleysList.org is that you can purchase pet products and any type of accessories you may need for your own adventure. Let me tell you, we had the best time on our horseback ride. We covered some amazing scenery. Our guides name was Carolyn. She was very friendly and very knowledgeable. She took us into the high country. We rode on trails that were amazing. We have included some pictures to share. Once we finished our ride, we returned to the stable. We were greeted by our dogs and cat. We asked Lynn where we could go for a good burger. She suggested Bassetts Station Cafe in Sierra City which was approximately 6miles from the stable. We strongly suggest you check it out. If you like good old fashioned hamburgers and shakes, you will love Bassetts Station Cafe. To top it off, they allow you to tie the dogs on the deck.

Overall, I can't say enough about this beautiful adventure. If you get a chance, plan your next camping trip at Plumas-Eureka State Park and while you are there, visit Lynn and her horses at Gold Lake Pack Station. It will be a trip you will never forget.