“The lakes are lapping their granite shores and wearing them away …” 
  John Muir
The Round Lake Loop is located about an hours drive north of Tahoe in the

vicinity of Graeagle and Sierra City.  Drive north from Truckee on Hwy 89 and after passing Sierraville and Sattley, take Hwy 49 towards Sierra City and Downieville.  At Bassetts Station junction, go right on Gold Lakes Road for eight miles and turn left at the Gold Lakes Lodge road.  The parking area for the trailhead is only 100 yards from the Gold Lakes highway.

The four mile loop is marked with trail signs and passes five beautiful lakes along the route – Bear Lake, Little Bear Lake, Cub Lake, Silver Lake, and Round Lake.  At a saddle between Cub Lake and Silver Lake, you will also get a good view of Long Lake. The Round Lake loop is about four miles in length and has moderate elevation gains totaling less than 1,000′.

This is beautiful forested land with mountain meadows, streams, lakes,

waterfalls, and mountain peaks with excellent vistas.  With elevations ranging from 4,500′ up to 8,000′, the lakes basin area has something to offer everyone. If you do an internet search on the Lakes Basin Recreation area you will see that there are numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, lodges, and lakes to explore and enjoy.

So this area is good for both day-long visits as well as extended stays.  Tom