Fodor's Expert Review Tamarack Lodge & Resort

On the edge of the John Muir Wilderness Area, where cross-country ski trails lace the woods, this 1924 lodge looks like something out of a snow globe. The lake it borders is serenely beautiful, and during warm months fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking can be had right outside. For more privacy, opt for one of the cabins, which range from rustic to downright cushy—many have kitchens and fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. The softly lit Lakefront Restaurant (reservations encouraged) serves outstanding seasonal cuisine.