Stanislaus National Forest

Recreation Activities

Summit Ranger District

Winter Recreation

Nordic Skiing | Over Snow Vehicles
The Summit Ranger District offers a multitude of opportunities for the winter recreation enthusiast. From downhill (alpine) and cross-country (nordic) skiing, to snowshoeing, to riding your over snow vehicle, you will find it here.

PARKING

A developed winter SNOPARK with vault restrooms, at the Highway 108 winter closure point, provides parking and access to the Highway 108 groomed snowmobile routes. This SNOPARK has no designated snow play areas. Most activities are associated with snowmobiling. Some nordic skiing and snow shoeing occurs.

Parking permits are required at all SNOPARKs. Daily ($5) and Seasonal ($25) SNOPARK permits are available from many local vendors. For more California SNOPARK information visit SNO-PARKS on the internet or, call (916) 324-4442.

To purchase a season permit by mail, send your request to: SNO-PARK Permit Sales, California Dept. of Parks and Recreation, 1725 23rd Street #200 Sacramento, CA 95816-7100. Please make your check payable to CA Dept. of Parks and Rec. Season Permit Price: ($25.00+ $1.00 shipping).

Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please park carefully in only one space, as total spaces are limited and demand is high.

Undeveloped parking, near the intersection of Highway 108 and Herring Creek Road, provides access to un-groomed routes available for motorized and non-motorized over snow recreation. Parking, along Dodge Ridge Road adjacent to Dodge Ridge Ski Area, provides access to un-groomed nordic trails in the Pinecrest area.

SNOW PLAY

Snow play is allowed anywhere within the Summit Ranger District as long as:

• there is snow, and
• you can pull safely and legally off the road.

Some popular informal snow play areas within National Forest land include:

Little Sweden (at the end of the four-lane section of Highway 108 east of Long Barn) is a popular snow play area. Little Sweden includes both National Forest (public) and private land. Snow play is allowed on public land.

Parking restrictions are in effect on Highway 108. Restricted parking areas are signed. Vehicles that are parked in restricted areas will be ticketed. There are no restroom services.

Pinecrest Day Use Area (next to Pinecrest Lake) is used for snow play. Two restrooms are kept open throughout the winter. The nearby Pinecrest Lake Resort offers groceries and other services.

The amount of snow available for snow play depends on the lake level, which fluctuates on a daily basis. Also, with current cold temperatures, ice is forming on the lake surface.

CAUTION! Do not walk on the ice--it is very dangerous!

Other than Pinecrest Day Use Area, there are no restrooms available at areas used for snow play. Contact the Summit Ranger District for additional information about snow play areas in the vicinity.

NOTICE! Pack Out What You Pack In!

This includes broken sleds and disposable diapers! When the snow melts in the spring, thousands of plastic shards from broken sleds and numerous disposable diapers are left from winter snow players. Human waste left in the diapers can pollute downstream drinking water. Please do your part to keep the water clean.

WINTER CAMPING

Winter camping is allowed anywhere within the Summit Ranger District - no services are provided except at Pinecrest Campground. Pinecrest Campground (D and E loops) is open (one restroom is open) for winter camping. For group camping contact the Summit Ranger District office for requirements.