Hotel at a Glance: Harmony Ridge Lodge

Set right inside Tahoe National Forest, Harmony Ridge Lodge is a rustic bed and breakfast that serves as a jumping-off point for exploring the mountain scenery of California’s Gold Country. The property stretches across 5 acres of rustic mountain scenery. Guests can enjoy it all with direct access to more than a dozen hiking, walking, or mountain-biking trails through Tahoe National Forest, including the popular Pioneer Trail and the South Yuba trail.

• Don’t miss out on swimming, fishing, and hiking at South Yuba River.
• Connect with nature: The lodge’s grounds encourage you to find a peaceful spot—wander through the extensive gardens or enjoy a cup of coffee in the apple orchard.
• Unplug distractions: There are no phones or TVs in guest rooms; instead, take a book from the stocked library and read in the spacious great room amid exposed wooden beams, cedar paneling, and cushy furnishings.
• Easy day trip: Nearby is Nevada City, a Victorian-era town with local restaurants, galleries, and antique shops.
• Bring Fido: This is a dog-friendly lodge—pups can run around in 3.5 enclosed acres of pine forest, and dog-friendly beaches are close by. Guests should call ahead to check the availability of dog-friendly rooms (additional fees may apply).

Nevada City, California: On the Edge of the Tahoe National Forest

The natural barrier separating Reno from Sacramento, Tahoe National Forest has towering mountains, rivers, and forests stretching over more than 850,000 acres. It has hundreds of lakes and reservoirs, making it a popular spot for swimming and camping. It’s also a good spot for a day trip and picnic if you’re looking to get out into nature but stay close to Nevada City, Tahoe National Forest’s unofficial headquarters. The city is located just 5 miles from Harmony Ridge Lodge.

Nevada City was settled during the California Gold Rush of 1849, and it’s lined with original 19th-century buildings (the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historical Places). Check out a show at the circa-1865 Nevada Theatre, which holds ongoing independent-film screenings and live theater productions. You can also visit one of the many restaurants, take a walking tour of Nevada City or Grass Valley, or check out one of the many street and music festivals that take place every year.

Ten minutes away in Grass Valley, you can explore the historic Empire Mine. Originally founded in 1850, it’s California’s largest, oldest, richest producing gold mine. Elsewhere in town, many of the original buildings still stand and 12 miles of trails are open to bikes, hikers, and horses.