Sierra National Forest Guide
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When you visit the Sierra National Forest, you will find yourself on the western slopes of the famed Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Sierra Nevada range extends for over 400 miles north to south along the eastern edge of California and reaches into neighboring Nevada in a few areas. The Sierra Nevada mountains have the highest peaks in the contiguous U.S., with Mount Whitney having an elevation of 14,505 feet above sea level. The forest has an elevation range of 900 feet to 13,986 feet and has a varied landscape of oak-covered foothills, thickly forested slopes and alpine forests on the peaks. Many settlers crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California Trail on their way West.
RV Rentals Near Sierra National Forest
Sierra National Forest Hiking Trails
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Angel Falls via Willow Creek Trail
Angel Falls via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that is located near Bass Lake, CA. The trail features the Angel Falls waterfall and Devil's Slide. There is also a pool past Angel Falls that has a rope swing over the water. Past the swimming hole, you will be able to see the river. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 3.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Stevenson Falls
Stevenson Falls is an in-and-out trail that is located near Shaver Lake, CA. There are several man-made caves, some of which have bats. There is a scenic waterfall, a river and a small beach area. Dogs are allowed on the trail if leashed.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh (Pa'san Ridge Trail)
Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh (Pa'san Ridge Trail) is an in-and-out trail that is located near Clovis, CA. There are great views of the river and the gorge from the bridge. The trail is also used by horseback riders. Dogs are allowed to use this trail but must be kept leashed.
Length: Easy
Intensity: 2.1 miles
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Kings River Trail
Kings River Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Shaver Lake, CA. The trail has beautiful wildflowers in the spring and resident oak trees. There is a creek with a small waterfall and lots of salamanders. Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Manzanita Lake Trail
Manzanita Lake Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near North Lake, CA. The trail is paved, and you can take a stroller easily. The parking lot at the lake has bathrooms and picnic tables. You can fish in the lake, and there is a small beach area. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Sierra National Forest
You will have no lack of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy inside the Sierra National Forest.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
The forest contains stands of cottonwood, oaks, willows and shrubs at the lower elevations, dogwoods on the middle slopes and alpine aspen at the higher elevations. In the spring, wildflowers like goldfields, Indian pink, pretty faces, foothill poppies, red maids and more proliferate on the mountain slopes.
As you hike the mountain slopes, everyone will have a chance to see some of the animals that inhabit the park. Black bears, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, marmots and quail are just some of the wildlife you may encounter.
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Sightseeing
The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway and the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway are two scenic byways in the national forest. The Sierra Vista byway begins at North Fort and ascends through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to more than 7,000 feet. This byway provides views of the John Muir, Ansel Adams and Kaiser Wilderness Areas along 100 miles of highway. The Sierra Heritage byway is 70 miles long and travels through several lakes, creeks and resort areas. Beginning in Clovis, the byway goes up the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada range and passes Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake and Kaiser Peak.
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Hiking and Winter Activities
There are miles and miles of hiking and multi-use trails throughout the forest and mountains. In the winter, visitors will enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, snow skiing, dog sledding, and snow camping.
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Fishing and Boating
Anglers will love the streams and lakes that are well-stocked with many types of trout, bluegill, bass and other species. The Sierra National Forest provides numerous opportunities for all types of boating activities.
How to get to Sierra National Forest
Address: 1600 Tollhouse Road, Clovis, CA 93611
Fee: Entry fee $0
The Sierra National Forest is located in the central part of California and is next to a multitude of national parks and national forests. It is also close to the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno and Las Vegas. You will find no shortage of nearby activities, and driving an RV is one of the most convenient ways to travel to all your planned destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sierra National Forest
What is the best time to visit Sierra National Forest?
The best time to visit the Sierra National Forest is in summer. The warm weather means you can swim, boat, fish, hike, and much more.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Sierra National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. All campgrounds have a limit of 14 days with a 21-day maximum stay per ranger district.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Sierra National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Sierra National Forest. Bass Lake offers plenty of opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating, and several companies lead trips rafting down the Merced River.
What type of wildlife lives in Sierra National Forest?
Wildlife in Sierra National Forest includes mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, marmots, porcupines, and other animals. There is also a variety of birds, and many kinds of fish in the streams and lakes.
What is the closest town to Sierra National Forest?
North Fork, California is one of the closest towns to Sierra National Forest. Yosemite Forks is another nearby town in the area. Fresno is one of the closest large cities to the forest, and has shopping centers, restaurants, lodgings, and anything campers need to restock.
