Stanislaus National Forest

Recreation Activities

Groveland Ranger District

Day Use Sites

Campfire permits are not required within developed day use sites; however, campfires are limited to the grills provided. Campfire permits are required if you plan to build a campfire or use a camp stove outside a recreational vehicle away from a developed campground. Permits are free and may be obtained at the Groveland Ranger District.

• Bower Cave: South of Highway 120 at Bower Cave. A designated Historical Landmark. Visitors permits are issued at the Groveland District office.
• Cherry Lake Boat Launch: North of Highway 120, off Cherry Oil Road. Fish and boat on the largest lake on the Forest. From Groveland District Office head east on Highway 120. Approximately 5 miles, turn left on Cherry Lake Road. Follow Cherry Lake Road 20 miles to Cherry Lake.
• Carlon: Along Highway 120 at Evergreen Road. Picnic tables, vault toilets, grills.
• Middle Fork: Off Highway 120 on Evergreen Road. Fishing, vault toilet.
• Rainbow Pool: Along Highway 120 at the South Fork Tuolumne River bridge. Originally a toll stop in the stagecoach days, later a popular resort until 1958 when fire burned the resort. Now, a popular swimming and picnic area. Vault toilets, limited parking. (see Rainbow Pool Bridges)
• Trumbull Peak Historic & Botanical Special Interest Area: South of Highway 120 at Trumbull Peak. Overlooks the Merced River with a clear view into Yosemite Valley. The lookout tower, built in 1934-35, offers a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding countryside. From the District Office travel 13 miles east on Highway 120. Turn right onto FS Route 20. Continue eight miles to the Five Corners intersection. Turn east onto 1S12 and continue for six miles. One mile past Ned's Gulch the road forks, take the right (downhill) fork onto 2S20 to a saddle below Trumbull Peak. Park at the gate and walk 0.2 miles to the lookout tower.

US Forest Service - Stanislaus National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 23 October 2008 at 16:20:11 EDT