Forest, California

The best trails and outdoor activities in Forest, California, offer a variety of scenic vistas and challenges suitable for all fitness levels. A must-visit is the Forest Ridge Hiking Trail, which is a 5-mile loop with moderate difficulty. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding forest, marked by towering pine trees and unique rock formations. You might also spot local wildlife along the trail. For water-based activities, the nearby Crystal Lake offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. If you're up for a challenge, try the Boulder Dash, a trail known for its steep inclines and large boulders. These trails offer the best outdoor adventures in Forest, California, and are perfect for those seeking active and scenic exploration.

Top Spots in and near Forest

Nevada City, California
Hike the Diggins Loop Trail

5.0

2.7 mi

Check in and pay for your parking or present California State Parks Pass at the museum building in North Bloomfield. After paying for parking there are several different options to get onto the Diggins Loop trail. Access to the Diggins Loop trail can be found by the Park Headcounters by jumping...
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Nevada City, California
Backpack to Lower Rock Lake

3 mi / 713 ft gain

This adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by ...
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Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail

5.09 mi / 1365 ft gain

Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sierra City, California.
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Nevada City, California
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing

5.0

4.2 mi / 639 ft gain

South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.
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Nevada City, California
Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River

5.0

2.74 mi / 1302 ft gain

There are endless swimming holes on the South Yuba River the feature crystal clear water, massive granite boulders and pristine pocket beaches, particularly those lower in the foothills. Many are separated by sections of rapids, but can be reached via the growing trail system of the South Yuba Ri...
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Nevada City, California
Bowman Road and Meadow Lake Road to Henness Pass

3.0

35.45 mi / 4895 ft gain

Bowman Road and Meadow Lake Road to Henness Pass is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Alta, California.
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Sierra City, California
Paddle Lower Sardine Lake

5.0

Lower Sardine Lake is a short drive from Sardine Lakes Campground. It has crystal clear water and is a very smooth place to paddle. This is also a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are many fallen trees in the lake and a couple rocks that come up almost to the surface. The water in genera...
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Sierra City, California
Sardine Lakes

1.32 mi / 253 ft gain

Sardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.
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Sierra City, California
Relax at Sand Pond

5.0

Sand Pond is a great place to relax after a day of hiking or paddling. It's located between Sardine Lake Campground and Lower Sardine Lake and is an easy 10 min walk from the campground. Sand Pond has beautiful views of the mountains and is a great place to watch the sunset. There are small fish ...
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Sierra City, California
Camp at Sardine Lake Campground

5.0

This campground is first come first serve and is located near Lower Sardine Lake. There are a couple bathrooms located around the loop. Most campsites have trees, perfect for hammocking and shade. The campsite has great views of the mountains. There are a couple hiking trails nearby. Lower Sard...
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Sierra City, California
Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes

4.8

6.19 mi / 3333 ft gain

The Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...
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Calpine, California
Camp at Salmon Creek Campground

Salmon Creek Campground is a quiet campground in the Northern Sierra Buttes. Since it is right up the road from Sardine Lakes it seems to get overlooked a bit. We were able to reserve three campsites the same week of our trip. There were 11 to choose from! The campground is just passed the turn f...
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Nevada City, California
Emerald Pools

4.0

0.68 mi / 49 ft gain

Emerald Pools is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Emigrant Gap, California.
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Calpine, California
Gold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi

If you never travel north of the Tahoe Basin into the Sierra Valley and beyond, you should. It is gorgeous, peaceful country, with wide open spaces and, compared to Tahoe, relatively uncrowded roads. This loops takes us from Bassett’s Station toward Sattley, north on 89, a brief stop to regroup i...
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Frazier Creek Road, California
Frazier Falls

4.0

1.06 mi / 79 ft gain

Frazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months. To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Gra...
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Placer County, California
Paddle Lake Valley Reservoir

A perfect adventure spot off Highway 80, Lake Valley Reservoir offers paddlers prime parking and a paved boat launch to push off on a mountain lake with an island for picnicking. Lake speed is 10 mph so fishing boats with outboards are allowed but they have to take it slow. Post launch, head le...
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