Are you ready for an adventure in the Lost Sierras? Whether you are looking for an adventure with your family, a romantic getaway, a guys trip or a weekend with the girls, you will be amazed at the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the culinary delights of Chef Brooke, and the Dragon Golf Course designed by Robin Nelson, all nestled within the Nakoma Resort.
In the heart of the valley of the Plumas National Forest, the Nakoma Resort is a place for adventures of all sorts. In the spring, summer and fall, there are dozens of hiking trails, mountain bike tracks, fishing in natural alpine lakes, or you can take on The Dragon Golf Course. In the winter, The Nakoma Resort becomes a wonderland with snowtubing and sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing; downhill skiing is just a short drive away.
The Nakoma Resort’s 42 room Lodge, at an elevation of 5,000 ft., was created with modern architecture. There are windows that extend floor to ceiling in the entry way, which give you views of the natural forest, grand pine trees and the 8th hole on The Dragon Golf Course. The modern black steel fireplace warms the room and creates a mountain lodge atmosphere. The rooms on the first floor have open patios that allow you to walk right onto the chipping and putting green, just 15 yards away.
How could one not be intrigued by the heart and center of the resort? The Frank Lloyd Wright teepee inspired clubhouse design was conceived and drawn up in 1923. The plans were purchased and the Nakoma Clubhouse was built as the architect had envisioned it in 2001. “Wright’s exquisite design includes the distinctive façade that houses a towering four-sided fireplace and the soaring ceiling with stained glass windows and decorative friezes of abstract Indian motifs.” The view of the unique architecture captures your attention from the moment you pull up to the clubhouse, while you sit inside the main dining room, The Wigwam, and even from the 1st tee. While you are inspired by the architecture you will be amazed at the detail and attention paid to every ingredient purposefully placed within each menu item. Every menu from breakfast to dinner is creative and delicious, made with local ingredients.
Another marvel of The Nakoma Resort is Altitude. It is a recreation center unlike any you have seen. The 12,000 square foot recreation center offers a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outside yoga area on the second floor, a rock climbing wall, a younger children’s center, and an outside large lap pool that is open all year long. There is a teen center with pool tables, video gaming centers, and Apple Computers. The rolling glass doors that run the length of the building can be opened up to let the fresh mountain air circulate through the magnificent facility.
Don’t forget the Bistro & Bar located right inside of Altitude! The culinary delights of healthy smoothies, wraps, flatbread pizza, and other creative and healthy meals are absolutely delicious. Sit among friends at the bar to watch the game or out on the patio by the fire pit or by the pool.
As you drive from shot to shot on The Dragon Golf Course in your red golf cart, each hole has a different name, which might make you question what your future holds for that hole. Some of the hole names are Hope, Faith, Charity, and Looking Glass. Yes, Looking Glass, a par 3 has quite a large pond you will need to hit over to get to the green. There are many things to navigate besides the 5,000 elevation. Within the 7,000 yards of the course, you will find, 84 bunkers, blind shots, uneven lies, water, granite boulders, a gorge and 800 feet in elevation change throughout the course. You may want to warm up on the beautiful driving range and the complimentary range balls. They may be prepping you for when you head out to the course. Will you slay The Dragon or will you be slayed by The Dragon?
By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel – lynneharrosh@me.com