Just west of the summit of narrow Eagle Pass, a huge and unusual red and white building comes into view.

This is the Three Valley Lake Chateau, built in the 1960s. It is part of a complex of attractions, also including an auto museum, railway roundhouse and a ghost town of abandoned gold rush-era buildings. It's an eclectic place and clearly put together with plenty of love and passion. If you like history, it may be worth a stop.

Situated next to the lake, the hotel building has over 200 rooms and beautiful grounds. Depending on your itinerary, it can be a convenient, and unique, place to stay overnight. Keep in mind that the rooms are a bit dated and the location is quite noisy (highway on one side, railway line on the other). There is just one restaurant.