500-Mile Lost Sierra Trail to Link Fifteen Historic Mountain Towns

The Connected Communities initiative, led by the nonprofit Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, is piecing together a 500-mile single-track trail called the Lost Sierra Route. Stretching from the Truckee-Tahoe area through northeastern Lassen County and into western Nevada, the route will pass through fifteen historic towns that grew during the Gold Rush, logging and mining eras. Spanning six California counties—Plumas, Sierra, Lassen, Butte and Nevada—and Washoe County in Nevada, the trail crosses four national forests.

Unlike remote backcountry corridors, the design lets travelers complete daily sections and spend nights in the towns, supporting local businesses. The project also builds on the nonprofit’s existing work, which has already created over 227 miles of new trail and maintained more than 3,000 miles since 2003. By linking these communities, the initiative seeks to foster tourism, healthier lifestyles and renewed pride in the region’s heritage.