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
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Oroville, California
North Table Mountain North Loop
5.07.15 mi / 866 ft gainNorth Table Mountain is a basalt mesa above the town of Oroville that offers multiple hiking trails leading to multiple overlooks. There are seasonal waterfalls and wildflower viewing along with cattle grazing. This loop leads you past wildflower meadows, Ravine Falls, Phantom Falls, Beatson Fa...Read more -
Truckee, California
Ride the Truckee Bike Park
5.01 mi / 50 ft gainTruckee bike park is a great destination for all ages of bike riders. There are several different features including a pump track, dual slalom course, dirt jumps, strider track and more! This park is kid friendly but be sure to pack a helmet and pads especially for first-timers. More experienced ...Read more -
Olympic Valley, California
Thunder Mountain Trail
5.03.19 mi / 1939 ft gainThe Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Palisades Alpine Meadows. Palisades may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski runs turn into hiking trails! The Thunder Mountain ...Read more -
Oroville, California
Feather River Trail Upper Section
3.23 mi / 89 ft gainFeather River Trail Upper Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Oroville, California.Read more -
Olympic Valley, California
Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes
6 mi / 1000 ft gainThis hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...Read more -
Auburn, California
Coon Creek and Hidden Falls Loop
4.38.47 mi / 1017 ft gain-- Important: 7-day a week parking reservations required until further notice during the COVID-19 crisis. Follow park social distancing measures. Learn more online, https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park -- Not far from California's capital is Hidden Falls Regional Park. Th...Read more -
Auburn, California
Seven Pools Loop & Vista Canyon
5.04.9 mi / 761 ft gainHidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the par...Read more -
Auburn, California
North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine
4.94.43 mi / 968 ft gainLocated only roughly 40 minutes from Sacramento. This trail will allow you to view and walk under the 5th largest bridge in the US as well as enjoy the waterfall spectacle of a top releasing Dam. Once reaching Old Foresthill Road from the town of Auburn, drive over the smaller bridge spanning the...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry
This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...Read more -
Auburn, California
Training Hill
4.54.51 mi / 1070 ft gainTraining Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon. The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River. Training Hill is r...Read more -
Auburn, California
Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA
3.511.13 mi / 1870 ft gainParking in the Auburn State Recreation Area parking lot has a cost of $10.00. Free parking is allowed on the right side of the road located on the right after driving over the bridge. From here the Quarry Trail parking lot and Trail head are a short walking distance ahead on the left side of th...Read more -
Auburn, California
Rock Climb at the Quarry
5.02.6 mi / 800 ft gainMany thanks to the Climbing Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento (CRAGS) and the Access Fund for their hard work in re-opening this location to make it climbing-legal. Where to Park:Put in "Parking lot for the Quarry Trail, California 193, Auburn, CA 95603"This is the designated parking lot ...Read more -
Paradise, CaliforniaFlume Dam Trail
5.15 mi / 584 ft gainFlume Dam Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Paradise, California.Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Paddle Commons Beach
5.0Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Hike the Ellis Peak Trail
5.06.3 mi / 1660 ft gainThe Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash. Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop
3.76 mi / 492 ft gainBurton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking. Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...Read more
