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| How to Visit Public Forests and Wildlands |
If you would like to visit some of our local wild places and experience the magic and beauty they have to offer, see the list below of recreational opportunities in the local region and directions to some of the most popular destinations. Remember that public lands belong to all people who live in the United States and are there for you to enjoy, experience, and most importantly, to protect for both the present and future generations.
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| 1. Pinecrest Lake |
Pinecrest Lake is a beautiful and popular recreational destination. The lake is nestled within the forest amidst a picturesque mountain peak, but also has stores, bathrooms, and campgrounds available. Activities include:
CAMPING: There are 2 major campgrounds - Pinecrest Campground and Meadowview Campground.
DAYS USE SITES: There are day use sites for picnicking, boat launching, and swimming at the lake.
INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS: The Forest Service offers interpretative programs throughout the summer.
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FISHING: Fishing is allowed in the lake with a fishing license. This can be purchased at the nearby Pinecrest commercial center.
HIKING: By hiking to the far (east) side of the Lake and then heading upstream along the South Fork Stanislaus River, you can access the wild Waterhouse roadless area, Cleo's Bath (a scenic pool), and impressive vistas of the granite basin above the Lake. The Waterhouse roadless area is one of a number of wild, rugged areas that are not within official wilderness, but which are totally wild and pristine.
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| DIRECTIONS: Coming from the San Joaquin Valley, take Highway 108 from Modesto for approximately 60 miles (past Sonora, Twain Harte, and Long Barn). Take a right on to Pinecrest Lake Road and go 1 mile to arrive at Pinecrest Lake.
For more information, please click here. Also, feel free to e-mail us at info@cserc.org with any questions you might have. |
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| 2. Yosemite National Park |
Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular areas in the Sierra Nevada. Full of beautiful forests, rushing rivers, waterfalls, picturesque granite peaks, meadows, wildflowers, and so much more, it provides a great opportunity to experience nature up close. Some activities include:
CAMPING: There several campgrounds within the park including Lower Pines, North Pines, Upper Pines, and Tuolumne Meadows.
PLACES TO VISIT: Some places to visit within the park include Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Hetch Hetchy, and Tuolumne Meadows.
THINGS TO SEE:
~ WATERFALLS: There are numerous waterfalls to visit within the park including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.
~ ROCK FORMATIONS: Yosemite contains some amazing rock formations, such as El Capitan and Half Dome.
~ GIANT SEQUOIAS: Some of the largest trees in the world, Giant Sequoias, also grow in the park.
~ VISTA POINTS: Popular vista points include Glacier Point, Olmsted Point, and the Tunnel View.
~ MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS: Buildings to visit include the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, the Nature Center at Happy Isles, and the Ahwahnee National Historic Lodge.
~ RIVERS AND LAKES: Popular to see are Tenaya Lake, Mirror Lake, and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Rivers and seasonal creeks flow throughout the park.
SWIMMING:
Swimming is permitted in all areas of the park except at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and above waterfalls. One popular place for swimming is the Merced River within the Yosemite Valley. Remember to use special caution any time flows are high or the water is cold.
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HIKING: From the short and easy hike to Yosemite Falls (0.5 miles) to the long and challenging hike to Half Dome (17 miles round trip), there are numerous opportunites for hiking within Yosemite.
BIKING: There are 12 miles of bicycle paths within Yosemite Valley.
STARGAZING: Miles away from bright city lights, Yosemite is a great place for viewing the night sky.
ROCK CLIMBING: Yosemite is known as one of the world’s greatest rock climbing areas. Among numerous rock outcroppings, El Capitan attracts world-class climbers
BACKPACKING: Most of Yosemite is designated Wilderness and provides ample opportunites for overnight hiking in the back country. A wilderness permit can be obtained from the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center. |
DIRECTIONS: Coming from the San Joaquin Valley, take Highway 108 from Modesto for approximately 30 miles. Take a right onto Highway 120 and drive east for about 35 miles to arrive at Yosemite National Park.
For more information, please click here. Also, feel free to e-mail us at info@cserc.org with any questions you might have. |
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| 3. Big Trees State Park |
| Big Trees State Park contains many spectacular Giant Sequoia trees, the largest tree species in the world. Many have a height of 250 to 300 feet and a diameter as wide as 30 feet! Some activities within the park include: CAMPING: There are 2 major campgrounds - Pinecrest Campground and Meadowview Campground. HIKING: There are three main hiking trails within the park that provide great views of the “Big Trees” and interesting information on local plants and wildlife. These include the North Grove trail (1.5 miles), South Grove trail (3.5 - 5 miles), and the Bradley Grove trail (2.5 miles). SWIMMING: Swimming opportunities are available in the nearby Stanislaus River. INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS: Interpretative programs are often put on by the park in the summer months to teach visitors about topics such as natural history and the environment.
FISHING: Fishing is also allowed within the Stanislaus River. A fishing license can be obtained within the park.
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DIRECTIONS: Coming from the San Joaquin Valley, take Highway 4 from Stockton for approximately 65 miles. Turn right at Big Trees State Park.
For more information, please click here. Also, feel free to e-mail us at info@cserc.org with any questions you might have. |
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CSERC | PO Box 396 | Twain Harte, CA 95383 | (209) 586-7440 | info@cserc.org
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