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The Lost Sierra Loop: Cottonwood Springs

Friday, August  28 – Sunday, August  30, 2026

In the spirit of exploring the rugged "Lost Sierra," we are heading north to a region that defines the intersection of high-desert plains and alpine forest. This June, we’re setting up camp at Cottonwood Springs Group Site, situated on the peaceful shores of Frenchman Lake just north of Beckwourth. It’s a spectacular destination that offers some of the finest technical riding in Northern California, anchored by the legendary Quincy La Porte Road.

We are meeting at the Black Bear Diner in Davis on Saturday August 20 for breakfast at 8:00 AM, with kickstands up at 9:00 AM sharp. Please arrive with a full tank of gas, the route in mind, and your GPS files pre-loaded.

Our route skips the freeway in favor of the winding Garden Highway, hugging the Sacramento River levees for a scenic start through the valley orchards. From there, we’ll transition to the backroads that lead us to Quincy La Porte Road. This is the crown jewel of the trip—a remote, high-elevation stretch through the Plumas National Forest featuring technical hairpins, dramatic ridgelines, and rapid elevation changes that will challenge and thrill every rider.

⛺ High-Sierra Basecamp

Cottonwood Springs provides a perfect alpine setting for a summer getaway, offering cool nights and direct access to the water.

• The Site: We have reserved the group area for three nights of pine-scented air and mountain scenery.

• Proximity: We are just a short ride from Portola, making it easy to grab ice, fuel, and fresh provisions before settling in for the evening.

️Exploring the Area

Once the tents are up, the Sierra Valley and the surrounding peaks offer endless exploration. Don't miss:

• The Sierra Valley: Ride the wide-open "Big Sky" expanse of the largest sub-alpine valley in North America.

• Gold Lake Highway: A nearby favorite featuring stunning glacial lakes and sweeping turns through granite landscapes.

• Western Pacific Railroad Museum: Located in Portola, this is a must-visit for anyone interested in the locomotive history that built these mountain passes.

The Club Meeting

The Club Meeting will be held Saturday at 5:00 PM at the Cottonwood Springs group campsite.