Pinecrest Lake Hiking and Fishing South Side Trail

Описание: #camping #emigrant #stanislaus #forest #Kennedy #wilderness #boating #kayaking #paddleboard #backpack #canoe

Directions to the Trailhead: The lake is an easy walk down Meadowview Rd and through Pinecrest Campground. To drive, turn right onto Pinecrest Lake Dr and continue to the lake. Park in the large day use recreation area on the lake. Approx. 5-minute drive.

Trail Notes: This is a pleasant hike following the shore of Pinecrest Lake. It is suitable for most age groups and has many nice picnic spots and swimming areas. The trail is well marked and often crowded. A moderate hike—more difficult than it seems.

Trail Notes: : Start by hiking counterclockwise around Pinecrest Lake. Before reaching the inlet, where the Pinecrest Lake Trail crosses the South Fork of the Stanislaus River on a large footbridge, take a right at a small iron trail marker pointing toward Cleo’s Bath. The trail follows the river through meadows and mixed conifer forest until it approaches a large falls. From here the route is sketchy and involves non-technical rock scrambling. Carefully follow trail ducks and painted orange arrows. The destination soon is on the left, after an ascent of about 300 ft. A series of pools formed by large granite formations provide a spectacular setting for swimming and relaxation. This is a classic Lair hike.

There is a four mile winding trail around Pinecrest. Considered a moderate hike plan to be gone for 2 hours. Look for all the wildlife in the area and be prepared for changing mountain weather.

Branching off of the lake trail are trails to Cleo’s bath and Catfish lake. The trail to Catfish lake, once home to catfish is past the dam. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour from the turn off at the lake trail.

Cleo’s bath is a series of natural pools along the river which feeds Pinecrest Lake. There is a sign directing you to Cleo’s bath from the lake trail but the hike is strenuous, you need good hiking shoes and be able to climb over rocks. For more about Pinecrest go to the destination guide