Greetings from the Road: September in the Lost Sierras — Episode 1: Graeagle

Population 74. Dogs 36. That was the welcome sign in Clio, and it told us everything we needed to know about the next four nights.

We pulled into Clio’s River’s Edge RV Park on Tuesday, September 8th — three miles from Graeagle, right on the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Full hookups, $53 a night, clean, popular, and run by people who clearly care about the place. It’s one of our favorite areas to camp and explore, and this stop was no exception.

The days filled up fast. We kayaked Gold Lake and Upper Salmon Lake, and hiked up to the historic Johnsville Ski Bowl and Eureka Peak. The hike was smoky — the Dome Fire in Yosemite was sending smoke our way — but the views still delivered.

And one tradition held, as always: a soft ice cream cone at Graeagle Mountain Frosty. Non-negotiable.

We left Saturday, September 12th, spent one night home to clean up and restock, and headed out again Sunday, September 13th for Kings Canyon and Sequoia. That’s Episode 2.

The practical bit

• Where: Clio’s River’s Edge RV Park, 3754 State Highway 89, Clio, CA 96106 — 3 miles from Graeagle, on the Middle Fork of the Feather River
• When: September 8–12, 4 nights
• Hookups: Full
• Cost: $53/night
• Know before you go: It’s very popular — book ahead. Check fire and smoke conditions before a hiking day. And save room for Mountain Frosty.

Your turn: What’s your favorite small-town stop — the kind where the welcome sign counts the dogs?