Raft the Carson River
A 20-mile wilderness run on California's East Fork of the Carson features Class II rapids that are safe enough, but also splashy enough, for the entire family. For a more challenging ride, try the Upper Run -- 6 miles of pulse-quickening Class III whitewater. River outfitters can be found near the town of Markleeville just off Highway 4/89.

Mountain Bike a Ghost Town
The Bridgeport Mountain Ranger District offers mountain biking through the spooky old mining ghost town at Masonic. If that's too scary for you, try the Twin Lakes Loop that loops lazily around the Upper and Lower Twin Lakes. You'll need to ford a creek twice if you take the Leavitt Lake Road; the road will deliver you to a beguiling alpine lake.

Fish for the "Fisherman's Fish"
Due to their cautious approach to feeding, brown trout are often referred to as the "fisherman's fish". Also called European or Loch Leven, the suspicious brownie is an autumn spawner easily identifiable by red and black spots on its body. In the Walker River, you'll find spring spawners like the techni-colored rainbow trout. The kokanee, a landlocked sockeye salmon, is a metallic-colored species with a greenish-blue back. Kokanees spawn in Robinson Creek in September and October.