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For those of you who try to avoid stunning scenery, gigantic meadows, and a plethora of hiking/camping/outdoor opportunities - then the Eagle Meadow Road (5N01) is not for you. For the rest, a variety of adventures await in this scenic region of the Stanislaus Forest off of Highway 108 (see our Google Map for directions to points of interest shared in this article). Here are a few of our favorite destinations in this worthy weekend paradise! |
Eagle Meadow. Photo by Clifford Oto
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Meadows: Accessible high-country meadows draw our staff to this area in their spare time. When a reporter from the Stockton Record wanted to do an article on where the best place to view wildflowers was, this is where we took him and for good reason. Eagle Meadow is the easiest meadow to access and sports a spine of volcanic ridges on its border that mark the edge of the Emigrant Wilderness. |
For those with higher-clearance 4WD vehicles, the drive on the spur road 5N01A that takes you into Long Valley will reward you with the best view of the well- known Three Chimneys mountain formation. |
View of Three Chimneys from Long Valley
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 Aspen at Eagle Meadow
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Barn Meadow is another winning meadow. All of these meadows have beautiful stands of aspen that are brilliant in the fall to walk amongst. Another beautiful spot for day hiking/picnicking is further down the road at Sardine Meadow. You really can't go wrong at any of these meadow spots.
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Camping: Along the Eagle Meadow Road, there are two developed campgrounds for those looking for basic comforts when camping. Right after turning onto the Eagle Meadow road from Highway 108, you'll see signs to follow to the Niagara Creek Campground. At Eagle Meadow there is a horse camp that can be used by anyone. Additionally there are many dispersed (i.e. pullouts that are free but no facilities available) camping opportunities to be found. Staff can recommend some areas for this if you would like some suggestions! |
Remember: Leave No Trace! |
Eagle Meadow from the Eagle Meadow trail |
Hiking: There is a major trailhead right at Eagle Meadow, which parallels the length of the meadow before continuing up and over Eagle Pass into the Emigrant Wilderness. This trail can be used for day hikes and overnight hikes. Remember if you are hiking overnight in any Wilderness to pick up any needed permits and maps at nearby Ranger District offices on your way to your destination (for a list of Stanislaus Forest Ranger District office locations, click here). |
Other Activities: Two words- Bennett Juniper. If you haven't been to see this tree yet you are missing out. The largest Western Juniper known to exist lies in our National Forest! This massive specimen is on a 3-acre preserve, and hosted by charismatic caretaker Ken Brunges during summer months. It is a worthy adventure on its own, or the perfect addition to anyone's Eagle Meadow Road adventure. For detailed directions, click here. |
The Bennett Juniper |
If you have any questions about this area, please contact our Center (julias@cserc.org) and we’ll help you get the information that you need!
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