Gray Eagle Lodge

Upon our arrival and check in we were handed what appeared to be our invoice save for charges throughout our stay. The invoices estimated price was $ 279 for two adults and two kids. Upon checkout the invoice was $ 427! The owner added gratuity fee of $ 35, resort fees, and a whopping $ 50 per kid! I can’t say I have been charged for kids before. On top of the high price there were several issues.
We got put in a small apartment. The apartment had no heater. The apartment had a tiny deck. The apartment was above the dance floor. The floor and windows were rattling with the bass until 11pm so my kids couldn’t get to sleep. It was so loud up there you couldn’t have a conversation. The bathroom had 2 bars of soap. No shampoo, conditioner, or lotion. On top of all of that the price seemed to be higher then people staying in nice quiet cabins that had heaters and decks. I was and still am a bit perplexed by this.
These issues were raised to the owner who did not apologize, offer any discount or even seem to care that his customers, a family of four were dissatisfied. We travel a lot and have honestly got better customer service at a holiday inn.
Is being above a dance floor with the windows rattling, no heater when it’s 35′ at night, lack of amenities and poor management worth over $ 400 a night to you??? It sure wasn’t to us.
The location is beautiful, I will give them that.

My family and I come here almost every year, and we love it. The food is great, and so are Brett and Sarah.
The lodge is a chance to put cell phones away, and to relax and enjoy nature. It is worth every penny. We drive up from Southern California, and the ten hour drive is worth it. I get to connect with my family, and enjoy a beautiful environment. A must if you can!

Love this place, I’ve been coming here for years for romantic weekends with my sweetie! We love the rainbow trout, excellent choice! Hopefully, we will be able to enjoy a few more years of dining and hospitality even though my companion is becoming quite elderly and declining. She’s had a great run. Thanks for the memories!

If Truckee is called the Jewel of the Sierra’s Then the Gray Eagle Lodge is the Sapphire of the Sierra’s Warm, Hospitable staff, Awesome setting by the creek, Nice and cozy cabins, Dog friendly.
Dinners (Stuffed crab Rainbow Trout) that are 5 star! Buffet breakfasts. You do NOT go hungry. Full bar with local Craft Beer on draft. Just a wonderful experience! Memories of a life time! I look forward to the return!

A terrific place to spend a few days in the Sierras. The lodge is set amidst a pine and fir forest. The accommodations are «rustic» but clean and comfortable. The house-​keeping staff is diligent. The lodge is very family-​friendly. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Families should bring their bicycles and toys for children. There is plenty of space and time for activities. There’s bocce ball, a basketball hoop, an inviting and comfortable lodge room for reading, card games, board games and the like. The lodge is set alongside a beautiful creek with swimming holes which are a joy for children. There’s plenty of seating outside around the lodge building. Lodging includes breakfast and dinner. Lunches can be purchased. The meals are quite good. Quantities are very (too) generous. The menu is varied and tasty. Desserts are delicious! Breakfasts include a self-​serve table of cereals, an egg scramble and hash browns. Diners can order eggs the way they like them, sausage, bacon and fruit bowls. The staff is very cordial and accommodating. They make visitors feel welcome and appreciated. Given that lodging prices include breakfast and dinner, the rates are fair and reasonable. There are high sierra lakes and trails nearby to challenge every visitor. Beautiful lakes with trout are a mile away. Longer hikes over 7,500′+ elevations with wonderful views start and end right at the lodge. Gray Eagle Lodge is a wonderful place for an individual, a couple or a family to spend some cherished and memorable days. Definitely worth a visit.

Gray Eagle Lodge was the best weekend getaway we could have hoped for! We stayed in the Pine Cabin. It was just my fiancé and our dog. The food was more than we could ask for and they were so incredibly accommodating for our two year old Golden who was not having being in the cabin by herself. They let us eat every meal outside! We were so happy with the weekend that we immediately booked a weekend in September with our Pup before they close. Gray Eagle Lodge has become a must for our Summers!

We stayed at Gray Eagle Lodge in August of last year (2012). I am so sorry to say it was a horrible experience. We had rats in our cabin. My 4 year old son accidentally discovered a trap with a dead rat under our bed, things went down hill from there. We were not offered alternative accommodations, instead we were instructed to box our food up, and they brought more traps which we had the unpleasant experience of hearing go off in the night. We then were told that they had been struggling with an infestation in our cabin all summer. THE CABIN SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RENTED OUT AT ALL with such an unsanitary conditions. Finally, the last straw was watching a rat run across a rafter over our bed.
We left a day early. The only compensation we were given was we did not have to pay for the last day — when we weren’t even there. Nothing was discounted, no refunds given. Just a mediocre apology. My son still occasionally has nightmares from staying there.
We so wanted to love this place and come every year. I will never go back there again…

My wife and I have been going for the past 7 years. Love everything about it. Food is great, fresh and big portions. Beautiful, quite spot, you feel like you are in a remote part of the woods but in reality you are only 20 minutes from great golf courses. The staff is always friendly and helpful. So much to do or do nothing but relax. Considering the accommodations and 2 big time meals it is a great value.

If the following review sounds like marketing and PR, it’s only because I love this place so much. I almost don’t want to let anyone in on the secret that is the Gray Eagle Lodge, but since I can’t be there the entire season, I guess I should share.
If you want soul-​cleansing fun, then the Gray Eagle Lodge is the place for you. Nestled in the middle of Plumas County, CA, the Gray Eagle Lodge is perfect for individuals, couples, families, outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, boaters, artists and more! This place is a wonderfully rustic retreat from modern existence; come here to decompress or simply to appreciate the beauty of serene mountains, crystal clear lakes, gorgeous vistas, and awe-​inspiring wildlife. We love it for all the above!
The Lodge cabins offer peaceful solitude, many serenaded by the gently flowing stream that slices through the Lodge grounds. The quaint log cabins are beautifully appointed with restful beds and comfortable furniture– great for lounging and catching up on your favorite book. You’ll enjoy a hot shower after a day of hiking in the perfectly modest bathrooms. Each cabin has a unique appeal– one of the greatest parts about the Gray Eagle Lodge is that you can try out a new cabin on your next visit to determine your favorite! From the family style Willow, Maple, and Spruce cabins to the charming Tamarack, Pine Cone, and Oak, all of your accommodations are covered! Daily maid service is included. I personally don’t think you can go wrong with any of the cabins!
You can be blissfully alone at this mountain sanctuary, or you can enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the Smith family, which has owned and operated the Lodge for many years. The Smiths and the wonderful staff at Gray Eagle Lodge treat you like long-​lost friends– they are professional, yet extremely congenial. If you choose, you will likely make lifelong friends while at the Lodge, having mutually shared such a slice of heaven on earth.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the majestic main Lodge room– foodies and outdoor activity fuel seekers will love the various dishes prepared and served by the talented kitchen team at Firewoods restaurant. They will even make a sack lunch for you to take on your daily adventures.
Kids– both small and big– will enjoy the many camp activities. You can play bocce, volleyball, badminton, «mountain» basketball, and baseball (be careful not to pitch too closely to young Brady Smith as he is as likely to hit a line drive off your face as he is to take you deep– I know from personal experience!). When the kids need a break from all the fresh air, they can take the fun indoors with ping pong, billiards, and even arts and crafts. Yet it’s the absence of TV that really makes the entertainment special– the Gray Eagle Lodge offers the perfect excuse to disconnect from the outside world (but you can now access WiFi in the lobby of the main Lodge should you need to send an email to the office stating that you won’t be home for another week!). And if you need a break from all the non-​hustle and bustle, you can always take a 10-​minute trip down the mountain to visit the timeless town of Graeagle.
Gray Eagle Lodge is not only pet friendly, but pet loving! Bring your four legged buddy to enjoy the fun too! Our dogs look forward to our GEL trips as much as we do!
The Gray Eagle Lodge operates from mid-​May to mid-​October. There is no wrong time to visit– it’s always beautiful at the Gray Eagle Lodge. The opening Wine Weekend over Memorial Day weekend is an especially fun time– connoisseurs and spirited enthusiasts alike will love the good cheer and unpretentious wine discussions shared with winemakers themselves. It’s always «Happy Hour» at the Gray Eagle Lodge!
Book early whether you plan to visit in the beginning of the season, middle, or toward closing weekend. Regardless, you are guaranteed a memorable experience– one you will assuredly want to repeat time and time again!

This is a destination for fun-​loving foodies who want world-​class food with woodsy atmosphere and scenery to compliment it. Our table had a variety of dishes including the ribs, steak, and chicken — all cooked to perfection. The kids meals were a hit too!
SERVICE: On par with the best, prompt, timely, and friendly. The head chef stopped by our table to say high which was a nice treat.
PRICING: Very reasonable considering the quality. The bar offers a good selection of wines and excellent prices.
OVERALL: Very friendly, 5-​star dining in the woods. After dinner, the kids were given free smores packs to make by the fire and we had a chance to walk along the stream.

Had a fabulous dinner at the Gray Eagle Lodge last night with friends. The pile of baby back ribs were not only the best I’ve ever had for dinner, but my husband and I are fighting over who gets the left overs for lunch today. The owner, Brett, is a first class host, and I can’t wait to bring the rest of my family back for s’mores by the fire.
I highly recommend anyone looking to reconnect with all that is important in life, to book a week at the Gray Eagle Lodge. Unplug and unwind. If you are lucky enough to have found this closely kept secret vacation location, it will become a healthy habit.

Wonderful food, beautiful scenery and great hiking. Oh and it’s all dog friendly too!
Great get away that we’ve been going to for 12 years now. Love that there are no phones or tvs in the cabins. Great place to relax and really get away from it all.
Loads of great hikes right out the cabin door. And the dogs love that they are allowed off leash (well, the new puppy isn’t until she learns to come when called!). If Renegade and Zack could give it 10 stars they would!

Dining at Gray Eagle Lodge has a heart-​warming traditional rustic Sierra mountain lodge ambience and feel to it. The lodge is ¹⁄₃ mile down a gravel drive from the main Lakes Basin road. I think you’ll find it is well worth the drive to come to this «off the beaten path» mountain cabin and resort lodge. It has everything you would hope for and more. .. Relax by the fireplace or at the bar for a before dinner cocktail. .. Be seated at your wood table on your (padded) wood chair in one of 2 dining rooms with wood walls with huge wooden trusses supporting the peak wooden ceiling. You get the idea, but check out the photos I’ve uploaded too.
You’ll be greeted at the table by the chef, who came around 3 times during our dinner to check that everything was ok, and for very pleasant neighborly and welcoming conversation. The service was very attentive, and all of our needs were met despite the fact they were quite busy and both dining rooms were completely booked. For that reason, I highly recommend a reservation in advance.
Tasty cheesy bread arrived promptly. Drinks from the bar included a nicely prepared daiquiri and a very satisfactory Merlot. Caesar salad was served in a crispy parmesan chef-​made bowl. Our 2 mains included grilled salmon and prime rib. Both were very satisfactory if not spectacular. Both mains were served with twice-​baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Overall very pleasing and satisfying. We had no room for dessert at the time, but brought 1 order of fresh berry cobbler back to the cabin with us for a midnight snack. Hint: don’t expect a low fat dining experience.
Tip: Family and Pet friendly.

A rustic, Sierra get-​away that cannot be missed! While mosquito-​y too early in season and dusty too late, when you hit the Gray Eagle Lodge in season, the wildflowers, waterfalls and cabin-​side stream is full of life. When I was there the first time the chef had trouble adapting to my life-​threatening (anaphylactic shock) allergies. Let’s just say, I ate a lot of salad! For the last many years, I have dined with a very flexible NEW chef who has made my experience at GEL all the better. Yum!
I also have a pet pooch… they welcome all pet-​owner savvy folk here. They even have poop bags on the property in case you forgot your own, Miss Manners! On hot summer days, you can bask in the sun and they will provide a water bowl for your pet. Furthermore, pets are allowed on trails in the Lakes Basin Area if they are on leash, Simply, a combination made in heaven! Max (the dog) has climbed Mount Elwell and topped the peak of the Sierra Buttes while staying here.
Prices are a bit steep compared to other places around the area, but here you get two things: quality meals and a welcoming community environment to all – families, romantic couples, people with dogs, GLBT and more. Come unplug and join the fun!