I'm that area now, staying in Sonora, and have a good loop planned for tomorrow early. If anyone else is interested, or going to be in the area in the coming days/weeks, not opposed to doing it some more?? Also considering that "Cherry Lake route" ... staying in Sonora, so my options are endless!!
My plan is a good 5-7 hour jaunt, from Sonora north on 49 transitioning to Parrots Ferry Rd, then 4E to Murphys. Murphys 49N up to Jackson. Then continue(I think?) on 49N to 88E. 88E to 89S and out to 395S. Onto the Sonora Junction, and 108W back "home" to Sonora.
There's another option in there when on 88E, to take 26 back down to 4E, and that ends up in the same area of where 88E and 89 come together, then out to 395 ... but it adds about another 1.5hrs plus!! Plus it skips over one of the sections of 89 I like, Markleeville.
Again, like I said ... options are endless for some good loops up in this area!!