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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

  • Homewood, California

    Eagle Rock

    4.0
    0.84 mi / 105 ft gain
    Starting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the elevation is 6,286 feet and consists of an absolute...
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  • Verdi, Nevada

    Fly Fish the Truckee River

    At just 121 miles long from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River continues to produce the largest trout in the Lower 48. Fly fisherman commonly divide the river into two reaches – East & West. And just outside of Reno in the small town of Verdi, the Bridge Street bridge is an excelle...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    A Lazy (Fun) Float Down the River

    4.5
    Start your day by heading to Tahoe City where the East and North Shores of Lake Tahoe meet. Be sure to grab supplies along the way including drinks, picnic lunch, sunscreen, coolers, floating devices (if you aren’t interested in renting) and maybe even some super soakers if you are planning to ...
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  • Kings Beach, California

    SUP from Kings Beach

    5.0
    This is a super fun way to enjoy the day, get some exercise and see some really cool parts of the lake that are usually hidden. You can rent boards/ paddles at a few different places either for the day or by the hour. Bring some water, sun block and a camera...if you dare! Once the day is done ...
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  • Incline Village, Nevada

    Quick Hike and Photo Op at Stateline

    5.0
    2 mi
    This quick 2-mile RT hike takes you to a lookout point above the Stateline of California and Nevada. The road to the lookout is paved so beginners can make the trek to the top in the summer; winter covers the road with snow, so snowshoes or boots are recommended. The lookout offers spectacular vi...
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  • Incline Village, Nevada

    Walk to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout site

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 340 ft gain
    The hike up to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout above Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay area is somewhat of a misnomer, as the fire lookout no longer exists. Instead, the path, which follows a paved forest road, up to the site where the tower once stood will bring hikers to a panoramic viewpoint that l...
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  • Kyburz, California

    Hike to Bassi Falls

    4.6
    1.22 mi / 194 ft gain
    109' tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite. It is located off a rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles re...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Backpack to Crag Lake

    4.0
    11.1 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Day 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike.  Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss

    The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...
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