Stanislaus National Forest

Burst Rock (1 mile)

Spectacular views. An additional 1 mile hike will take you to Powell Lake in the Emigrant Wilderness. Visitor's Permit required for overnight camping.

Camp Lake (3 miles)

Trail to this small granite bound lake in the Emigrant Wilderness begins at Crabtree Trailhead. Moderate difficulty. An easy hike of one more mile will take you to Bear Lake. Visitor's Permit required for overnight camping.

Catfish Lake (1 mile)

Side trip from Pinecrest Lake Loop on north side of lake. Shallow lakes surrounded by old-growth mixed conifer forest.

Clark Fork Stanislaus River (3 miles)

Begin at Clark Fork Trailhead at Iceberg Meadow (end of Clark Fork Road). First 2.5 miles of easy hiking along the Clark Fork to the Boulder Creek crossing. After high water season, cross Boulder Creek and proceed another 1/2 mile to a waterfall overlook. Visitor's Permit required for overnight camping.

Columns of the Giants (0.25 mile)

An easy ¼ mile walk to unusual geologic formation with spectacular views of basalt columns. Next to Pigeon Flat Campground 24 miles east of Pinecrest on Highway 108.

Donnell Vista (0.25 mile)

A ¼ mile paved trail with signs along the way, leads to an overlook with sweeping views of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River Canyon, and Donnell Reservoir. On Highway 108 about 18 miles east of Pinecrest.

Eagle Creek (4 miles)

Best to start at Eagle Meadow and hike down to Highway 108 near Dardanelle Resort. Requires two vehicle shuttle. Passes through beautiful sub-alpine meadows, then descends steeply through dense forest along Eagle Creek.

Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail (4 mile loop)

A National Recreation trail around Pinecrest Lake, 1 mile off Highway 108. A fairly easy hike starting from the marina. Dogs must be on a leash (Tuolumne County Leash Law enforced).

Relief Reservoir (3 miles)

Start at Kennedy Meadows Trailhead. Popular destination for fishing. Moderate difficulty. Trail from Kennedy Meadows is heavily used by stock.

Shadow of the Me-Wuk (0.25 mile)

An easy ¼ mile walk through an outdoor exhibit showing how Me-Wuk Indians lived. Located across the street from the Summit Ranger Station. Brochures are available at the Ranger Station.

Sugar Pine Railway - the Strawberry Branch (3 miles)

This gentle three mile (one way) hike parallels the South Fork of the Stanislaus River and overlays the historic Sugar Pine Railroad System. Access the trail from either Old Strawberry Road or the bridge at Fraser Flat Campground. Arrange to be picked up at one end and your trip is either all a gentle uphill or a gentle downhill. Brochures are available at the Summit Ranger Station.

Trail of the Gargoyles (1.5 miles)

A scenic 1 ½ mile walk has sweeping views of unique geologic features and formations which shape the Sierras. Excellent wildflower site in June. Brochures are available at the Summit Ranger Station. On Herring Creek Rd., 6 miles from Highway 108.

Trail of the Survivors (0.25 mile)

An easy ¼ mile trail with signs along the way, showing how trees struggle for life. Off Dodge Ridge Road, by Pinecrest Community Center.

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Trail Difficulty Ratings

Trails and routes are rated using a standardized trail difficulty rating system in common use throughout the recreation industry.