The Top 20 Attractions in Placer County
There are plenty of places to see and visit in Placer County. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Placer County is a region where 20
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
Last updated: December 22, 2025
Folsom Dam
Highlight • Monument
Ride along the water level at the crest of the dam near the campground. This is at the closest point the lake comes to the trail.
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Truckee River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The Historic Truckee River Bike Path is a popular ride for individuals and families alike. Flat and well paved, the main obstacles will be other trail users. This path provides …
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Watson Lake Campground
Highlight • Lake
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, the Watson Lake Campground offers a picturesque setting surrounded by forest along the tranquil lake. It doesn't feature any amenities and works on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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Picnic Rock
Highlight • Viewpoint
Picnic Rock is a viewpoint located along the Tahoe Rim Trail. To reach the rocky outlook, it only takes a short but steep hike from the nearby parking lot.
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Historic Donner Pass Summit ⛰️ Pacific Crest Trail crossing
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The old Hwy 40 passed through this summmit at 7135 ft elevation, still today the Donner Pass Road. Fast and heavy traffic of course goes over the I-80 interstate freeway …
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West Beach of Folsom Lake
Highlight • Beach
Depending on the unfortunately fluctuating water level of the reservoir this can either be an enjoyable sandy beach, or a muddy mess.
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West Shore Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The West Shore Trail takes walkers, bikers, and hikers on a paved route from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay. It can get busy, and for good reason; it's scenic and …
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Historic Donner Summit Train Tunnel, graffiti, and snow sheds.
Highlight • Monument
This 1,659-foot tunnel was the first railroad line to traverse the Sierra Nevada Range. It was primarily built by Chinese workers and was hand drilled and blasted over 15 months. …
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Donner Peak Spur Trail ⛰️ from PCT
Highlight • Trail
Surprisingly, Donner Peak is not the highest peak in the area, it's just a little knob across this short saddle about 200 yards to the east. It offers about the …
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Kings Beach-Crystal Bay
Highlight • Beach
Kings Beach and Crystal Bay sit right next to each other but are separated by the California/Nevada border. Kings Beach (or KB) has large sandy beaches while Crystal Bay is …
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