When we think of the best family-friendly outings in Gold Country, Lake Tabeaud always rises to the top of our list. This peaceful and pristine lake is small but offers so much to see and do. The lake serves as a source of drinking water for parts of Amador County. It is fed by diversion of the North Fork Mokelumne River on its eastern side, with a dam to the west. People come here to fish, canoe/kayak, and walk or jog the easy trail that goes all the way around the lake. For those looking for something more low key, there are plenty of inlets around the lake where you can set up a couple of camp chairs and just spend a quiet afternoon bird-watching or fishing. Just a few miles off Highway 88, the lake is accessible year-round.

From Tabeaud Road, keep an eye out for the Lake Tabeaud Picnic Area sign. The small entrance road may not be marked on all nav systems. There is plenty of parking in the two parking lots, and signage at the fork between the two lots provides some information about the lake and its historical importance in providing water and power to Amador County residents. The lake is only a few miles outside of the town of Pine Grove, but it feels off the beaten path, and cell service can be spotty, so we were glad to see a sign posted with emergency guidance:

Picnic area. Each parking lot has a picnic area with several picnic tables and bbq pits available on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms are located in the lot on the right. The spacious picnic sites have views of the lake and surrounding forest.

Fishing. The lake is easily accessible virtually all the way around, and stocked approximately twice per year with trout. There are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect fishing spot. On the eastern side of the lake, some may prefer the cold and turbulent inlet waters, or for the other extreme, set yourself up by the dam on the western side. On any given day you will find folks scattered all around the lake, hoping to hook their next big one. Fishing license required.

Boating. This is a great way to explore the lake! Bring your kayak or canoe out to the lake (no rentals on site) and within minutes you can be out on the water. The surface is serene and the lake is rarely crowded, so you'll feel completely at peace gliding across the water. No motorized vessels.

Loop trail. Yes, you can walk all the way around the lake! The trail is roughly 2.5 miles and closely follows the shoreline. It is well maintained and mostly flat, meandering through manzanita and oak. The trail is not marked with signage, however it is very easy to follow. It stays fairly close to the lakeshore, so just stay oriented to the lake and you can't go wrong. This is a wonderful activity for all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you. As always, be aware of your surroundings; you may encounter poison oak or even a snake on the trail. You will see other unmarked trails diverging from the main loop; take care when exploring these that you don't stray too far and lose sight of the lake. There is plenty of shade on the trail, but the few exposed portions can get quite hot on summer afternoons. Be sure to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.

Here is our recipe for the perfect Gold Country outing:

• Grab all the fixins for a picnic at Pine Grove Market
• Head to Lake Tabeaud and grab one of the picnic sites
• Enjoy a leisurely lakeside meal
• Walk the loop trail
• Celebrate completing the trail with an ice cream cone at Munnerlyn's on the way back to Gold Creek Cabin

Please note: No swimming. No camping.