Tag Archives: fish

Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs

Eastern Sierra Lakes

Camping Lakes – Campground Lakes
Lake Eastern Sierra California

There is not enough room on this web site to list every single alpine lake in the majestic Eastern Sierra range, since there are hundreds, but we highlight a few of the hike-in accessible ones & the more popular camping lakes below.

DSCN0100

June Lake Loop is a paved, scenic drive highway that has multiple lakes with cabin rentals, camping, fishing, boat rentals. One of the best places to spend autumn looking for fall colors among the aspens.

DanaMite also knows a picture is worth 1000 words, so just click links for photos & enjoy!!!

convict lake Eastern SierraLone Pine Lakes include –

  • Diaz Lake (on US Hwy 395)
  • Cottonwood Lakes camping (hike in)
  • Lone Pine Lake (hike in)

Onion Valley camping
@ Independence, CA
Kearsarge Lakes include –
(all are hike-in lakes)

 

mountains

Bishop Lakes include – (Hwy 168)

ROCK CREEK CANYON
US 395

Paved road dead ends at over 9000′ elevation
Wilderness Access w/ Trailheads & Parking
NFS Campgrounds
Remote Cabin Resorts

hiker

LAKE CROWLEY CA

CONVICT LAKE CA

Mammoth Lakes include – (Hwy 203)

Walker Lake @ June Lake Loop
Walker Lake @ June Lake CA

June Lake Loop includes – (Hwy 158)

MONO LAKE CA

US 395 @ LEE VINING, CA
Yosemite NP [EAST ENTRANCE]
Tioga Pass Lakes include – (Hwy 120)

califrepublic

LUNDY LAKE CA

Bridgeport, CA

NatGeo Mammoth MapEastern Sierra topographic trail maps to lakes

Mono Maloy

Events, Festivals, Music, October, Wine/Beer/Culinary

Lobster Festival Redondo

Redondo Pier

Redondo Beach Lobster Festival

30 years running, this Redondo Beach event is a hot hit, especially for beach-goers near Los Angeles, California

3 day event held at the Seaside Lagoon next to King Harbor, just north of the Redondo Beach Pier. Live music, entertainment, lobster recipes, celebrity chefs, craft beer, kids activities and vendor booths.

Annual event; October
310-376-6911

REDONDO BEACH California

redondolobsterfestival.com

 

Cracking lobster

Lakes & Reservoirs

Silver Lake California

Silver Lakes @ Bucks
Silver Lake, near Bucks Lake Wilderness

Numerous Silver Lakes, Creeks and other “silver” terrain can be found inside California. After the Gold Rush of 1849 in the western Sierra, Silver was discovered in Nevada shortly after (east of Sierra Nevada mountains). This page is an overview on all places with SILVER in the name, or places that have had a history of silver mining. California Counties are listed in parenthesis. Links below will lead to more detailed pages or campground reservations.

Silver Lake @ Lassen

(Lassen Co)

silver kayaker

Silver Lake @ Bucks

(Plumas Co)

silver88

Silver Lake @ Carson

(Alpine Co)

Silver Fork of the American River. Silver Fork Road connects US Highway 50 & Carson Pass Hwy 88. Silver Fork Campground & China Flat Campground (NFS) are both located on this remote, backcountry route, about 8 miles from US Hwy 50 campground

golden glow june

Silver Lake @ June

(Mono Co)

Autumn aspen groves ignite with color in October. Often, some of the best fall colors in the Eastern Sierra. Day trips w/ fishing. Hiking everywhere. Overnighters or backpackers could be greeted with snow at anytime in October or later. The June Lake Loop (SR 158) closes for snow annually!

California Lakes named Silver

Silver Lake @ Gold Lake

(Plumas Co)

Lakes Basin Recreation Area also has a hike-in Silver Lake, trailhead near Gold Lake on Gold Lake Highway

Silver Lake @ Gold

califrepublic

below are silver mining camps and other silver related destinations, plus some campgrounds

 

Bodie SHP (State Park) calsp
(Mono Co)
8375′ elev. US Hwy 395 near Bridgeport, CA. Infamous, high desert ghost town, now a California Historic State Park. Large gold mining camp w/ well-preserved, wooden, old town structures. Silver was discovered in nearby Aurora Canyon.  All dirt road access. No developed campground @ Bodie, so try nearby Green Creek Road instead. Or high desert, back road camping on Aurora Canyon Road over to Bridgeport Reservoir.

Cerro Gordo
(Inyo Co)
8500′ elev. Inyo mountains, West of Death Valley, east of US Hwy 395 @ Junction 136. Old mining camp rich in silver history. Someone might even live up there. Extreme remote location in rugged, high desert mountains. 4×4 is always required!

Silver City Sequoia NPS
(Tulare Co)
6935′ elev. cabin resort on Mineral King Road, in the South Sequoia National Park

Silver Creek Campground NFS campground
(Alpine Co)
Developed Campground south of Markleeville, Highway 4, Ebbett’s Pass, Central Sierra Nevada

Silver Creek Campground campground
(Placer Co)
Camp right on the Truckee River, and on busy Hwy 89. in between Truckee & Lake Tahoe, California

Silver Valley Campground & Silver Tip Campground (Alpine Co) are both located near Lake Alpine on Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass , Central Sierra

jacksonmdwsign

Silvertip is also a Group Camp at Jackson Meadow Reservoir (Sierra Co) off Hwy 89, North of Truckee, CA. Silvertip Group Campground, as with all group camping facilities, is by reservation only.

Silver Lake @ LA
(Los Angeles Co) a hip and popular, tree-lined neighborhood in Los Angeles, near Griffith Park.

Silver Lake
(San Bernardino Co)
Silver Dry Lake, a dry lakebed in the Mojave desert, near the Hollow Hills Wilderness, north of Baker, CA off I-15

Silver Lakes
(San Bernardino Co)
2430′ elev. a desert community southwest of Barstow, near Helendale, CA. Located on the Mojave River (which flows underground) in between Historic Route 66 & US Hwy 395. Attraction nearby – Exotic World, the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

 

silverstrand

Silver Strand State Beach State Park

(San Diego Co)
A sliver of sand makes up this narrow beach, barrier island for San Diego Bay. RV Camping, best in SD. South San Diego, Coronado Island campground

silverwood

Silverwood Lake SRA State Park

(San Bernardino Co)
State Recreation Area @ Cajon Pass I-15
in the San Berdu National Forest

 

lacontedivide

High Sierra, California

hike-in only

backpacking

Silver Pass Lake
Silver Divide & Silver Pass
(Fresno Co)
11,000′ elev

Located in between two 12,000′ peaks
near PCT – Pacific Crest Trail
John Muir Wilderness

backpacking

Silver Lake
(Tulare Co)
11,000′ elev

via Mineral King trailheads
Golden Trout Wilderness
South of Sequoia NP
Southern Sierra Nevada

Another Hike


Events, Festivals, Lakes & Reservoirs, September, Street Fairs, Wine/Beer/Culinary

Oroville Salmon Festival

Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville Salmon Festival
Salmon Fest in O’ville

Feather River Fish Hatchery, Feather River Nature Center and Riverbend Park

On the Feather River between Historic Downtown Oroville and the Fish Hatchery, the town bursts with fish-flavored activities during the annual Salmon Festival. Friday night starts @ Feather River Nature Center for dinner & dance. Saturday brings on the fun, food, music and vendors on Main Street. Lots of great local info – salmon recipes, water/drought, fishing and environmental issues.  Big pancake breakfast, a farmer’s market, live music, a craft fair, clowns, rides for the kids. Hatchery tours. The Bounty of Butte County will be located atop Myers Street, next to the Municipal Auditorium leading into Salmon Court. FREE to attend and tastes sold as desired. There will be food demonstrations, local food vendors, restaurant tastings and so much more.

Annual event; September
530-538-2542

Oroville, CA

salmonfestoroville.org

Oro Hatch

Oro Hatch - 14

Historic Downtown Oroville

Campgrounds, Fishing, Lakes & Reservoirs

Blue Lake Modoc

Modoc Blue Lake
Blue Lake in Modoc National Forest
Hiking Lake
Hiking Lake w/ Loop Trail in far Northern California

Blue Lake
Modoc National Forest

When you really wanna get away from it all, take a week off and head up to Modoc – the top northeast corner of California, where the volcanic mountains line the Great Basin.  The population is minimal, cattle are abundant and the campers few. Even in mid summer, this ideal lake campground rarely fills up.

camp

Jess Valley Road leads east off US 395 @ Likely, CA – 16 miles back to this hidden gem.

Headwaters to the Pit River.

NFS Campground is shady, well managed, and spread out on the eastern slope w/ numerous paved loops. Tent campers, cross country cyclists, truck campers w/ canoes, SUV families, motorhomes with kayaks and kids.

modoc map
Modoc Map

Blue Lake Campground NFS
• Elevation: 6,050′
• Number of Sites: 48
• Vehicle Accessibility: 32′ RV
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Campsite Reservation: No
• Water: Piped
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May –October
• Trailhead: Lake Loop
• Boat Ramp: Yes

Group Camp Facilities (by reservation only)
Modoc NF Warner Ranger District
@ 530-279-6116

Lava Blue Lake
Lava Rock @ Blue Lake Loop, in Modoc County, CA

Blue Lake National Recreation Trail

hikerRight next to camp: A pretty much perfect LAKE LOOP (1.5 mi) hiking trail is worth a serious stroll; footbridge, wildflowers, fishing spots, minimal hills, lava rocks, and awesome scenery. Plenty of wildlife can be seen, including butterflies and bald eagles. Trail is shaded by tall white fir and ponderosa pine trees. Trailhead is located at the Day Use parking lot, w/ paved boat ramp, dock, and picnic area.

stars canoe  fish

  • back roads
  • boating
  • camping
  • canoeing
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • kayaking
  • mountain biking
  • picnicking
  • swimming
  • stargazing
  • wildflowers
  • wildlife

Wild Blue Lake

NOTE: not every CAMPSITE has a LAKE VIEW

Certain campsites are adjacent to the lake; some are set facing a meadow (Autumn w/ aspen groves), or the alpine forest w/ deer grazing. Perhaps an inner circle (interior) campsite, for those who like to be close to bathrooms and piped water. Large families will love the abundance of camp settings and accommodations.

Paved Loop
Plenty of Vault Toilets
Piped Water
Recycles & Trash Service

Large Campsites
Large Campsites can accommodate Motorhomes
  • no paved camp stall
  • no hook-ups
  • no dump station
  • no cell phone signalcamptruck

popular lake camp for motorhomes

When driving a large RV back in here, be courteous of other campers. Nothing sucks more than driving a long distance to the boonies, to arrive at camp just before dark and annoying everyone else already there.

Those needing to drive the campground loops (more than twice) looking for the biggest, levelest, best camp site – and burning $10 in gasoline doing so, should consider walking in.RV

Park that beast (near boat ramp area, before the camp entrance). Get out and walk the hills and loops, BREATHE & relax – prior to a choosing camp site.

Unhitch any tow vehicles; use that to scout out your perfect spot, if you cannot hike it. Trailers and large motorhomes will find this place ideal, but getting the right camp, can make all the difference.

Trail around Campground

Paved Trail around Campground

The wildfire: BLUE FIRE burned this region in 2001, but it is lush and green again (2019). Northern California gets some real weather. Rain and snow, more than half the year. The campground closes annually due to snow.

Kayaking is best done in the morning, cuz wind picks up in the afternoon. Canoes can launch at boat ramp, or at shoreline from trails near campsite.

Hiking trails can be found all around lake and campground. Wilderness access can be found at South Warner trailheads within a short drive from the lake.

Cyclists also love this camp, as it is located near a major highway and is a perfect place to really relax, soak in the scenery and get some quiet-nights sleep.

Modoc National ForestNFSlogo
225 West 8th Street
Alturas, CA 96101
530-233-5811

 

south warner sign

South Warner Wilderness is close by, driving distance; accessible by graded dirt roads. Signage is decent.

Modoc Forest Road #64 is a through-route, across the lower South Warners – 40
miles connecting to east side of the mountain, at Eagleville, CA.

Dirt Roads are suitable for trucks w/ trailers. SUVs and rugged passenger cars are okay. Motorhomes are not advised on this route.  Washboard conditions are typical. Winter closure on this route is common.

south warner mountains map

MODOC RD 64

Several miles away from Blue Lake, 2 rustic trailhead campgrounds are located back this way – East Creek Campground & Patterson Campground. Less than 10 camp sites each, equipped  w/ horse stalls, vault toilets and maybe piped water. Trailhead parking for backpackers. No RVs!

Autumn colors w/ aspen groves. Open, large meadows and mature forests w/ wildfire scars. Cattle can be found grazing all around, many cattle crossing.

Minimal primitive camping options, along road sides. Campfire permits required. No camping within one mile of a developed campground.

Cow Country
Modoc is Cow Country
Road64
Day Trippin – Out exploring Modoc Road 64 (and cutting firewood)

nearby towns –

see also –
Mill Creek Falls Campground

Campgrounds, Camping, Campspots, Creeks, Fishing, Group Campgrounds, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Marinas, Mountain Biking, Picnic Areas, Trailheads

Oak Bottom Campground

Oakbottom Campground

Whiskeytown Recreation Area:
Oak Bottom Campground

Carr Fire 2018: some portions of this lake, shore, roads and trails may be closed due to the recent wildfire

The large, level, paved campground is right on the north shore of Whiskeytown Lake, on Hwy 299 – E of Redding CA

hiker

101 walk-in campsites
22 RV sites
elevation 1200′

  • boating
  • camping
  • hiking trails
  • kayaking
  • marina
  • mountain biking trails

Campground Reservation on NRA

Camp Sites near Water

Group Camping can be reserved at
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area
3 group camping sites with excellent views of the lake and mountains, on the northeastern shore of Whiskeytown Lake.

nearby towns:

Views Westward

canoe

Lake Sunset Whiskeytown

And by golly, there is another

OAK BOTTOM CAMP in Northern California,
way over west near Marble Mountain Wilderness

camp

Salmon River @ Somes Bar:
Oak Bottom Campground NFS

elevation 700′
26 sites
No electricity, water or sewer hookups

Six Rivers National Forest – Oak Bottom Campground loops around a forested hillside with large trees providing ample shading for multiple sites within the campground. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

Located off the main highway, on a side road, with the epic Salmon River! This NFS campground is popular with whitewater enthusiasts in the spring. Rafters, kayakers. Many challenging rapids ranging from Class 3 to 5 are available. Swimming is also popular in the summer and numerous river access areas are a short drive or walk from the campground.

Lakes & Reservoirs

Central Valley Reservoirs

California’s Central Valley Recreational Lakes & Reservoirs

boatingcampingRV campshiking fishing

(listed from north to south)

North State / North Valley / North Sacramento Valleyboatramp

Black Butte Reservoir
Stony Gorge Reservoir
East Park Reservoir
Lake Berryessa
Lake Oroville SRA
Thermalito Afterbay
Thermalito Forebay
New Bullards Bar
Collins Lake

Sunset at the Lake
fishOak foothills of the Historic Gold Country, at the edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

  • boating
  • canoe
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • houseboats
  • kayaking
  • wildflowers

Most Central Valley Reservoirs have blooming wildflowers in early springtime. Summer heat can measure triple digits for months as most of these lakes are located below 1000′ elevation.

Central Sacramento & California Delta

Trimmer Boat Ramp
Trimmer Boat Ramp @ Pine Flat

Central Valley / San Joaquin Valley

Lake Amador
Lake Camanche
Pardee Reservoir
New Hogan Lake
New Melones Lake
Woodward Reservoir
Salt Spring Valley Reservoir
Lake Tulloch
Don Pedro Lake
Turlock Lake SRA
Modesto Reservoir
Lake McClure
San Luis Reservoir SRA
Eastman Lake
Hensley Lake
Woodward Reservoir
Millerton Lake SRA
Redinger Lake
Pine Flat Reservoir
Lake Kaweah
Lake Success
Buena Vista Reservoir

Walk-In Camp Site at Lake
Walk-In Camp Site at New Melones Lake, Gold Co

Kaweah Sequoia Sierra
Lake Kaweah, near Mineral King & Southern Sequoia NP
California Maps, California Rivers, Creeks, Fishing, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads, Wilderness

Fishing Maps California

owensfishing

California Fishing Maps & Destinations

California fishing recreation ranges from sport-fishing, an open sea adventure, to solo casting in deep river canyons. Big Sierra Reservoirs near Gold Rush Country to High Country Alpine Lakes, the golden state has the water – and the outdoor recreation you crave.

Below is an alphabetical list of popular fishing destinations within California. Mountains to coastline, there are many maps to choose from.

American River, California

gonzagadusk

Baja California Maps
Surf, Camp, Fish, Kayak, Dive
Sea of Cortez, Baja CA Mexico

Big Bear Trail Map
San Berdoo Mountains Map
San Bernardino National Forest Map USDA
San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear Lake, Arrowhead & Idyllwild
SoCal Mountains

Lake Berryessa California
Wine Country Reservoir

Bishop Creek Eastern Sierra

Bishop Pass Trail Map
North Lake, Sabrina, South Lake
Bishop Creek, Eastern Sierra

Bucks Lake Wilderness Map
Bucks Lake Wilderness, Quincy CA
Bucks Lake Campgrounds
North Sierra Mountains

California Delta Maps

Carson Pass, Sierra Highway 88
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Map
Central Sierra Nevada Lakes & Rivers

Casitas Lake, Ventura County

Clear Lake, Wine Country California

Crystal Basin Sierra Nevada

Crystal Basin / Silver Fork Map
Central Sierra Nevada Mountains
Eldorado National Forest

El Dorado National Forest Map
Mokelumne, American River

Dinkey Lakes Wilderness Map
Tom Harrison Map
Sierra Hikes, Dinkey Creek

Golden Trout Wilderness Map
Upper Kern River, Southern Sierra

Green Creek Road
creek fishing, trailhead campgrounds
Bridgeport, CA Eastern Sierra

Hat Creek California 
Headwaters to the Pit River

Lake Havasu, California 

Hoover Wilderness Map
Hoover Wilderness
Bridgeport, CA Eastern Sierra

Hot Creek @ Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra

Inyo National Forest Map
Mount Whitney, Owens River, High Sierra Lakes
Bishop, Crowley, Mammoth & June
Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains

Kearsarge Pass Topo

Kearsarge Pass Trail Map
Rae Lakes Loop, High Sierra
Onion Valley, Eastern Sierra

Kings Canyon High Country Map
Kings Cyn National Park
Trails, Peaks, hike-in only Lakes

Klamath National Forest Map
Klamath River, NorCal
Hwy 96, Happy Camp, Hupa/Hoopa

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Lakes Basin Map USDA
over a dozen small lakes, w/ trails, fishing
Gold Lake California
Sierra Buttes, North of Gold Country

Lake Isabella, Kern River

Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada Mountains

Lake Tahoe Map

Lake Tahoe Basin Map NatGeo

Tahoe Eastshore

Lassen Forest Map
Lassen National Forest &
Lassen National Park
Feather River, Lassen Lakes

Mammoth Map

Mammoth Lakes Map NatGeo
Mammoth Lakes CA
Mono Divide, High Sierra
June Lake, Eastern Sierra Recreation

Rush Creek

Lake Mead, Nevada

NatGeo Lake Mead Map

Lake Mohave, Nevada

Merced River Recreation Map NatGeo
Merced River & Tuolumne River
Yosemite Camping & Fishing
Gold Country, Western Sierra Rivers

Millerton Reservoir, West Sierra
Fresno, CA

Mineral King Trail Map
Southern Sequoia National Park
day hike to wilderness lakes

Owens River, Eastern Sierra

Plumas National Forest Map
Lake Almanor, Lake Oroville
Feather River (all 4 forks)

Piru Lake, California

Pit River Fishing Map 

Sacramento River, North State

Sequoia National Forest Map
Kern River, Lake Isabella
Kern Plateau, Kennedy Mdws

Shasta National Forest Map
Sacramento River, Lake Shasta
NorCal fishing, Mount Shasta

Sierra National Forest Map
San Joaquin River, Dinkey Creek
Dinkey Lakes Map
Kings River, Pine Flat Reservoir
Lake Edison, Florence
Shaver Lake Map, Huntington Lake
BlackRock, Courtright, Wishon

Stanislaus National Forest Map
Stanislaus National Forest
Sonora Pass, Dardalelle
Stanislaus River, Gold Country

sierra buttes

Tahoe National Forest:

Tahoe Sierra Buttes Map NatGeo
Sierra Buttes / Donner Pass
Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Tahoe Yuba Map NatGeo
American River, Yuba River
Gold Country California

Toiyabe National Forest:
Eastern Sierra Nevada Mts

Toiyabe Carson Map
Carson River, Markleeville
Eastern Sierra, South of Tahoe

Toiyabe Bridgeport Map
Walker River, Twin Lakes
Eastern Sierra, Yosemite East

walker river California
Walker River California

Walker River Fly Fishing Map

lakes

let’s not forget the ever expanding…

California Lake List

rocklakefishing

California Maps, Creeks, Fishing, Lakes & Reservoirs, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Wilderness

Mammoth Fishing



Stark Weather Lake
Originally uploaded by danamight

Mammoth Mountain Lakes / Eastern Sierra Fishing

Sure splendor for fishing, most of the time. Lake fishing, stream fishing, river fishing. Fishing the Eastern Sierra area, near Mammoth Lakes, California can be very rewarding. You may have read about places like these in the sports magazines, seen them on a television program, or imagined them in a fishing vacation day dream. Summers can be crowded, so pick a lake and camp carefully. Weather can change quickly, so come prepared. Autumn fishing w/ the golden aspens and less crowds is preferred.

fishing trip

Most of these Eastern Sierra lakes listed below are accessible by car, others by foot. Look at the photos, pick a destination and get a good map of the area, so you can explore everything around too.

Mammoth Lakes Area

Mammoth Area Lakes – Mammoth City

Mammoth Area Creeks –

Mammoth Area Rivers –

  • Owens River (high desert valley)
  • San Joaquin River (high country)

junelake

June Lake Loop
Eastern Sierra, US 395 @ Hwy 158

June Area Lakes –

June Loop Creeks –

Mammoth Maps

inyo maps
Inyo National Forest Map

Ansel Adams Wilderness Maps
Devils Postpile Map
Mammoth High Country Map
Mono Divide Trail Map
Mammoth Mono Map NatGeo

other Eastern Sierra maps –

Bishop Pass Trail Maps
Hoover Wilderness Trail Map
John Muir Wilderness Maps
Mono Lake Map
Palisades Trail Maps

horseback overnight trips
Abundant Horse Packers in Eastern Sierra, California
California Rivers, Campgrounds

Moses Gulch Campground

road5 moses
Narrow Dirt Roads lead way back to Moses Gulch.

 

2021 – THIS CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED indefinitely,
due to the Castle Fire 2020

Moses Gulch Campground
Middle North Fork of Tule River

Northside of Western Divide Highway 190, near Springville, CA

Mountain Home State Forest
559-539-2321 summer
559-539-2855 winter

Located right on the middle north fork of the Tule River

Small developed campground on the back roads of Mountain Home State Forest. Campground closes seasonally, for winter snow.

Usually open: MAY-OCT

tuleday
Swimming Holes on Tule River

MOSES GULCH CAMPGROUND camping

• Elevation: 5,500′
• Number of Sites: 10 walk-in camp sites
• Reservations: No
• Sites Available: First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: No RVs
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: River nearby
• Toilet: Vault
• Bear Boxes: Yes
• Trailheads: Tule River; Moses Mountain; Golden Trout
• Season: Closed for winter months
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: National Forest Service
• Closest Town: Springville, California

tent camping on river

Motorhome RV campers beware; no hook-ups, no paved roads. This is a primitive style camp, way back on a dirt road – not suitable for large vehicles.

NOTE $ This used to be FREE CAMPING, but they recently started charging an overnight fee for this campground.

spot6 moses

  • hikerbike
  • camp
  • fish
  • hike
  • picnic
  • stargaze

Golden Trout Wilderness is closeby. Plenty of hiking opportunities, great scenery and several Sequoia groves to visit. Mountain biking is allowed on the dirt roads. Single track trails may be overgrown or even off-limits, due to the fragile eco-system around Sequoia trees.

tule middle northfork
Tule River,  north fork of the middle Tule

SEQUOIA_mapBoth Moses Gulch and Hidden Falls are accessible via a long, narrow, paved mountain road; then a dirt road, leading 3 miles back to the remote reaches of the Wilderness edge.

western south sierra

North of Springville on Highway 190, turn left (north) on to J37, some call it Balch Park Road (Google Maps has it as Wagner Drive) and follow it up 3.5 miles to Bear Creek Road (#220). Drive 17.5 miles on curvy Bear Creek Road, turn right and follow signs to campground.

Groves
Hike Sequoia Groves


Campgrounds

Hidden Falls Campground

waterfall hidden
Hidden waterfall is tucked inside a cove of granite, at the far end of the parking lot.

 

2021 – THIS CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED indefinitely,
due to the Castle Fire 2020

Hidden Falls Campground
Middle North Fork of Tule River

Northside of Western Divide Highway 190, near Springville, CA

Mountain Home State Forest
559-539-2321 summer
559-539-2855 winter

Located right on the middle north fork of the Tule River

Inside an unknown area called Mountain Home State Forest, this small campground has a few spots that fill up quickly on weekends and at anytime during in the summer months. Campground closes seasonally, for winter snow.

Usually open: MAY-OCT

HIDDEN FALLS CAMPGROUND camping

• Elevation: 6,150′
• Number of Sites: 8 walk-in camp sites
• Reservations: No
• Sites Available: First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: 20′ max.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: River nearby
• Toilet: Vault
• Bear Boxes: Yes
• Season: Closed for winter
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: National Forest Service
• Closest Town: Springville, California

tent camping on river

Motorhome RV campers beware; no hook-ups, no paved roads.  This is a primitive style camp, way back on a dirt road – not suitable for large vehicles.

NOTE $ This used to be one of our favorite FREE spots, but they recently started charging an overnight fee for this campground.

viewsfromcamp
Views from Camp
  • hikerbike
  • camp
  • fish
  • hike
  • picnic
  • stargaze

Golden Trout Wilderness trailheads nearby. Plenty of hiking opportunities, great scenery and several Sequoia groves to visit.Mountain biking is allowed on the dirt roads. Single track trails may be overgrown or even off-limits, due to the fragile eco-system around Sequoia trees.

You may actually love this little camp so much, you won’t want to go anywhere else. How ’bout just chillin out: relaxing near the water. Shady swimming holes. Fishing in the Tule River.

Pack a picnic: Back road exploration is a great day trip, for there are many dirt roads weaving in and around this park, near the Giant Sequoia.

Tule River, South Fork
Tule River, North Fork

SEQUOIA_mapHidden Falls is accessible via a long, narrow, paved mountain road; then a dirt road, leading 3 miles back to two very secluded campgrounds: this one & neighboring Moses Gulch Campground.

western south sierra

North of Springville on Highway 190, turn left (north) on to J37, some call it  Balch Park Road (Google Maps has it as Wagner Drive) and follow it up 3.5 miles to Bear Creek Road (#220). Drive 17.5 miles on curvy Bear Creek Road, turn right and follow signs to campground.

saabaru_forest

Campsites, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Wilderness

Northern California Mountains

Mountains of Northern California / NorCal Mountain

California sure has a lot of mountains. West Coast land is home to the tallest Sierra Nevada range, plus the Cascade range, which extends northwards to Canada. (Many of which have volcanic peaks.)

We break down all the mountainous regions in the north part of the state below w/ links, topo maps, lakes, rivers, wilderness, parks and forests. Small towns & cities are linked in red.

sacramento river
Sacramento River, above Lake Shasta

North Coast Mountains

canoeRedwood forests and rivers are what make up most of the Northwest part of California, just below the Oregon coast. Logging and fishing are the big industries up here. Lumber mill towns and camps still exists today. Wilderness areas, dirt back roads, river kayaking, stream fishing, camping and real wild indians. Oh yeah, and Big Foot!

The landscape in more dramatic along the North Coast of California, as the steep rocky terrain tumbles into the sea w/ the San Andreas fault running parallel to the shore. Marine life, rocky shores w/ small towns. Del Norte County & Humboldt County. Wild rainy weather, at least half the year; fog and sun the other half.

Six River National Forest

California towns near Redwoods & Mountains:

NorCal California

the North State

fishThe furthest north is Siskiyou County, which borders the state of Oregon. We have the Klamath River flowing south into California, with plenty of mountain peaks, forests and wilderness. Interstate 5, Highway 3 and Highway 96

Pacific Crest Trail passes through the area and backpacking is common (all year long). Notable spots – Klamath Knot and The Eddy’s. Prominent Mount Shasta is actually situated inside Siskiyou County, not Shasta.

Klamath National Forest

California towns near Klamath Mountains:

NorCal California

shasta

Shasta Trinity Mountains

Giant Mount Shasta is located inside Siskiyou County, and Shasta County & Trinity is everything located to the south of it. Interstate 5, Highway 3 and Highway 299. Recreational lakes, rivers and streams, and off roading trails.hiker

Waterfalls, hot springs, mountain biking and stream fishing can be found within this region. Mining history and museums are primarily situated around Weaverville. Houseboats and boat rentals can be found on the big reservoirs. Whiskeytown was totally toasted in wildfire of 2018. Alpine lakes, granite spires, campgrounds and cavern tours, all located along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Shasta Trinity National Forest

California towns near Trinity Alps & Shasta Forest:

Lee Fong Park
Beautiful park setting @ Lee Fong Park, in historic Weaverville, CA
River Beach Campground
Trinity River Camping, Douglas City, CA

Mendocino Mountains

dirtbikesCoastal mountains located above the Napa & Sonoma wine country. US 101 & Highway 20. Rivers, forests, wilderness and redwoods is the key terrain that make up the Mendocino County mountains.

There is a fair amount of off road trails and dirt roads located in and around Mendocino, so you can expect to see 4x4s, dirt bikes and toy haulers on the east side of the mountain range. The coastal side of the Mendo National Forest will have the rivers and redwood parks.

Mendocino National Forest

California towns near Mendocino Mountains:

Spring Fouts Mendo
Fouts Springs Camping OHV

Plumas Mountains

pctNorthern Sierra Nevada mountains is where the granite rock of the Sierra meets to volcanic rock of Lassen Volcano.  Butte County and Plumas County is the Feather River drainage, all flowing south from Mount Lassen.

Pacific Crest Trail is routed through Bucks Lake Wilderness and the Feather River Canyon, so backpacking is popular. Highway 70

Plumas National Forest

California towns around the Plumas Mountains:

goldshore
Mini Gold Lake, near Silver Lake @ Bucks

Lassen Mountains

snowmoTechnically speaking, the Susan River is the top waterway of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lassen County spans the distance from the Nevada state line, west to Plumas forest and the Feather Rivers (all 4 forks).

Lassen Peak is the middle of the National Park and the National Forest totally surrounds that. Numerous lakes, hiking trails, wilderness areas and dirt roads make up this huge forested area. Snow-mobiling is popular in winter months around the town of Chester.

Lassen National Forest

California towns around the Lassen Mountains:

nlassen
Camping N Lassen

Northeast California

The far northeast corner of the golden state is the remote cattle range lands of Modoc Country inside Modoc County. Drier than the rest of NorCal, the high desert sage brush meadows, a few lakes and pine forest mountains. Highway 299 & US 395

Modoc National Forest

California towns near Modoc Mountains:

mill creek falls
Mill Creek Falls in Modoc

Campgrounds, Lakes & Reservoirs

Snake Lake California

Snake Lake Campground

Snake Lake Campground, Plumas NF

campDon’t let the name frighten you, Snake Lake is a very scenic fishing lake – but you will NOT want to swim in it. Lily pads cover the water surface most of the year so it is considered “frog heaven” during the warmer months. NFS has been upgrading these camping facilities recently. Snake Lake Campground has new picnic tables, camp fire rings, bear boxes, vault toilet and expanded equestrian camps and corrals. No piped water, so bring your own. A bucket & shovel are always required for proper campfire maintenance.

morninglakeview

One of the best campgrounds in the region, Plumas National Forest and close to Quincy, CA. Paved road access means an easy 3 miles off the main road (Bucks Lake Road, aka Oroville-Quincy Highway, Oro Quincy Hwy). 7 miles west of the town of Quincy, the green, metal, one-lane bridge is easy to spot, but the small sign for “Snake Lake 3” is easy to miss, if driving 50 mph or faster. Turn off is located in between Quincy and Meadow Valley.

New Signs

Horse Camping

Equestrian camp sites, horse corrals, OHV trails, group picnic areas. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, off roading, horseback trails, kayaking or canoe.

horseback

Snake Lake Campground NFS

• Elevation: 4200′
• Number of Sites: 17
• Vehicle Accessibility: small RV
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: OHV, Horse & Winter Rec

This lake camp serves as a central hub for travelers, motorcyclists, campers, hikers, fishermen, off roaders and equestrians alike. Mountain biking & OHV trails go off in numerous directions and horseback trails are readily accessible. Winter Recreation Area means snowmobile trails too.

Another smaller lake, Smith Lake, is a short drive or short hike (on dirt road) further into the woods, with the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area neighboring it.

fish

another Snake Lake?

Another SNAKE LAKE exist inside Plumas National Forest. The smaller Snake lake can be accessed by off-road trail Road#12E66, off the Gold Lake Highway; 4×4 is required to reach this one. West of Gold Lake in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. The PCT is routed nearby one mile away.

middayblue

Campgrounds

Free Campgrounds Sierra

Granite Creek

Free Campgrounds in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

no charge camp, no fee camping, free campgrounds

No fee camping: Bare bones. California Sierra Campgrounds without the fee.

NFSlogoDeveloped BLM or NFS campgrounds, where you can still have a campfire. Vault toilets, panic tables and fire rings. Use bear boxes when provided for proper food storage.

secluded campgrounds

Below is a good long list of some favorite free developed campgrounds in the Sierras. Many will require dirt road driving, as most are located well of the highway. Perhaps the 12 mile rough road will thin out the crowds. Free overnight stay!

2020 update: this list is shrinking, as more California National Forests start charging for the smallest of campgrounds. 

campfirePack in your drinking water and pack out your trash. Campfire permits are not required at developed campgrounds; but a bringing a water bucket and shovel is necessary for tending your campfire. Piped water is not always available, or perhaps, not in working order at these primitive style camps. Be prepared to rough it a little.

Sierra National Forest – Central Sierra

Mammoth Pool Areacamptruck

Granite Creek Camp
Granite Creek Campground

Redinger Lake lakeboatramp
open all year long; no campfires

Redinger Campground

Courtright Reservoirlake
no-fee OHV

Voyager Rock 4×4 Camping

4x4

Huntington Lakelake
no-fee OHV

West Kaiser Camp 4×4

Kaiser Pass Roadlake
no-fee camping

Dinkey Creek Roadlake

Sawmill Flat Campground

Kings River Campgroundfish
free river camping

mosquito_lake
Mosquito Lakes @ Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4

Stanislaus National Forest – Central Sierra

Highway 4 – Ebbetts Passhiker

mosquitoTH

Highway 108 – Sonora Pass

Hwy 120 – West of Yosemite NPcamp
Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River

Eldorado National Forest – Central Sierra

Tahoe National Forest – Northern Sierra

creekcanyon
Canyon Creek, Tahoe NF

Highway 89 – Truckeehiker

Interstate 80 – Donner Pass

French Meadows Reservoircanoe

campsite snag lake
Snag Lake (free) Camping on Gold Lake Highway

Plumas National Forest –  Northern Sierra

Brady’s Campcamptruck
NFS Campground
West of Quincy, CA
Highway 70

breckensign

Sequoia National Forest – Southern Sierra

Breckenridge Campground
Forest Rd# 28S06
South of Kern Rivertree_stainglass

Giant Sequoia Area

Kings River Area

Mill Flat Kings River
Mill Flat @ Kings River
campground mill creek
Kings River Camping

see also – Walk-In Campsites


Campgrounds, Lakes & Reservoirs

Ellery Lake Campground

Ellery Lake Campground

Inyo National Forest @ Yosemite East
Tioga Pass Hwy 120

ellerylake

This spectacular setting has a top-of-the-world feeling to it. Gorgeous meadow area, right along the main highway, with a small lake next to giant rock slides and impressive granite mountains.snow

The air is thin, the sky is clearest blue, the snow is melting, the stream is trickling and the nights are chilly – even in summer. Bring a winter coat and extra blankets, if you plan to camp.

ellerysign

Ellery is small campground is located just outside the EAST GATE of Yosemite National Park, along Highway 120 Tioga Pass. Easily accessible and fully paved, this camp is only open half the year due to deep snowpack. The snow usually melts by June, and camp often closes early due to higher elevation weather, sometime in October or November.

Lee Vining Canyon is to the east and Mount Dana is to the west.

RVokay

Ellery Lake is one of those magical places, where you can spend all day out in nature – without needing to drive anywhere. Gorgeous high country scenery surrounds you in every direction. Walk over to nearby meadows, creeks or neighboring lakes. Climb mountain peaks or enjoy extended day hikes. Watch wildlife from camp or fish in the lake. Stargaze at night w/ the darkest skies around.

Or how about, walk to dinner? This place is easy walking distance to the historic Tioga Pass Resort, where you can enjoy a real, sit-down meal at the cafe. (Hope they will re-open 2020)

stars

Ellery Lake – camp, hike, fish or kayak.
No motor boats allowed.

Travelers heading to or from the National Park,  often stop at Ellery to take photos and walk around. There is always a flurry of activity around easily accessible lakes and this one is no different. The busy highway and constant traffic may be heard from camp, but the ideal location and epic lake makes up for the inconvenience.

elleryview

This NFS campground is one of many small camps located along the highway, on the east side of Yosemite National Park. This special place is in high demand, can fill up fast and is quite busy most of the summer.

perfect for tent camperscamp

Small parking areas, tight walkways,  landscape and minimal campsites makes this a “no-turn-around” kinda campground, so don’t bring that huge RV (cuz it won’t fit).

Most sites do not have enough room to park a second vehicle at all. Each campsite has a locker for food storage. (bear country = store food properly)

Ellery Lake Campground

• Elevation: 9,538′
• Number of Sites: 12
• Camping Reservations: No
• Sites Available: First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle limit 28 ft.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: Potable water
• Toilet: Vault
• Season: Closed during winter & spring
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: National Forest Service
• Closest Town: Lee Vining, CA

elev9538

see also nearby – Junction Campground

fish

Inyo National Forest
Mono Lake Ranger District

Bishop Ranger Station
760-873-2400

Mono Basin National Forest
Scenic Area Visitor Center
760-647-3044 NFSlogo

USDA campground link

Back Roads, Campgrounds, Campspots, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads

Lassen Lakes

Lassen Lakes in California

Lassen Volcanic Park is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, some inside the National Park boundary, but most outside. Lassen National Forest, Thousand Lakes Wilderness, Lake Almanor, Hat Creek and Burney Falls encompass this pristine water wonderland of NorCal. Outdoor recreation all over – rivers, fish, hunt, camp, mountain bike, off road.

LAVA TUBE: Subway cave

Backpack camps, RV campground, fishing lakes, day hikes, off-road and lake side camp sites, we have it all listed on Total Escape.

Hiking, camping, fishing all over this region! Mountain bike, kayak, or relax all day in the hammock – in a shady spot with a view. Water flows freely and annual snow melt is abundant in this part of California. Some locales may not open until July 4th weekend. Always check with the Lassen NFS rangers to make sure.

^ lakes with campgrounds

‘ feet in elevation, above sea level

Lakes inside Lassen National Park:

(lakes located on Lassen Hwy 89)

Lake Helen

Summit Lake ^
Summit Lake Campgrounds – Summit Lake North & Summit Lake South & Horse Corral Camp

shotoverinlake

Manzanita Lake ^ 5847′
Manzanita Lake Camping – Manzanita Lake Campground

(lakes via dirt backroads)

Juniper Lake NPS Lassen ^ 6792′
Juniper Lake Campgrounds –
Juniper Lake Campground & Juniper Lake Group Site & Horse Corral Camp

Butte Lake ^ 6043′
Butte Lake Campgrounds –
Butte Lake Campground & Butte Lake Group Camp & Horse Corral Camp

(lakes on the trail)
Crumberg Lake
Twin Lakes
Jakey Lake
Snag Lake 6076′
Horseshoe Lake
Willow Creek
Long Lake

 

Lassen National Forest lakes: fishing lakes

Majority of these lakes require dirt road driving to reach them. Often forest roads close for snow, usually during winter months (DEC-MAY)

Wilson Lake 5267′
Crater Lake ^ 6800′
Echo Lake
Widow Lake
Star Lake 6362′
Rising River Lake
Baum Lake
Murken Lake
Haynes Reservoir
Heart Lakefishing lakes
Willow Lake
Shotoverin Lake

killercamp_echo
Killer Camp @ Echo Lake

lassen camps

Caribou Wilderness:

Campsites with hiking lakes and wilderness trailhead access, right next to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Echo Lake ^
Caribou Lake ^
Silver Lake ^ – Silver @ Lassen
Triangle Lake

LassenAtlas
Find Lassen Maps, NFS Topo Atlas

Thousand Lake Wilderness:

North of Mount Lassen is the less-popular Wilderness Area w/ many miles of dirt roads to travel.

North Battle Creek Lake ^ 5571′
Logan Lake
Buckhorn Lake 4776′
Lake Eiler
Terry Lake

 

NorCal Recreation Lakes nearby:

Lake Britton @ Burney Falls ^ 2732′
Eagle Lake ^ 5100′
Butt Valley Reservoir ^ 4142′
Lake Almanor ^ 4500′

Lone Tree @ Eagle Lake

Northern California towns nearby:

BURNEY
FALL RIVER MILLS
HAT CREEK
OLD STATION
SUSANVILLE
WESTWOOD
CHESTER
MINERAL
MILL CREEK

 

Lakes & Reservoirs

Lundy Lake California

Lunar Lundy Lake

Eastern Sierra
Lundy Lake

Lundy Canyon is located at the very northern boundaries of the Inyo National Forest, bordering the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest & Virginia Lakes. Mill Creek flows down Lundy Canyon from the Sierra Nevada; Lundy is a small lake in a deep, rugged canyon with wilderness trailheads, East of Yosemite National Park.

Lundy Lake
West of Mono Lake, California
US 395
Lee Vining, CA

elevation: 7800′
Seasonal access, closed for winter

backpack, camp, canoe, fish, hike, kayak
aspen groves, autumn colors
wildflowers, waterfalls

 

Frozen Edge

camp

Lundy Campgrounds

  • Lundy Canyon Campground
    Mono County Dept of Public Works
    760-932-5440
    36 camp sites w/ picnic tables, fire-rings & bear boxes
  • Lundy Lake Resort
    Bait, tackle, general store, fishing lake, boat ramp.
    626-309-0415
    21 camp sites, 8 cabins, 3 camp huts, 5 RV camp sites

camping

National ForestsThere is not any NFS Campgrounds in this Lundy Canyon, but plenty can be found nearby at Lee Vining Canyon, at junction US 395 & Hwy 120.

Mono Lake also has camping at the county park. And free camping (boondocking) can be found – all up and down US 395

Lakes Canyon Trailhead

hikerLakes Canyon Trailhead

Backpackers & Horse Packer Trains have excellent access to the Hoover Wilderness in the High Sierras. Plus this prime Lundy Canyon location is situated at the back door of Yosemite NP.

Mono County Tourism
800-845-7922

Reflections

Lundy Area Maps:
Hoover Wilderness Trail Map (Tom Harrison)
Inyo National Forest Map (USDA)
Yosemite High Country Map (Tom Harrison)

 


View Larger Map

Links for Lundy Canyon:

Lundy Lake Road
Lundy Lake Rd, the paved road up climbs the steep canyon to an elevation of over 7500′

Back Roads

11S12 – Sierra NF

engineering_x

Black Rock Road #11S12
– Sierra National Forest

North Fork of the Kings River, Blackrock Rd

connects Kings River @ Pine Flat to Blackrock Reservoir.
Road closed seasonally for winter; call ahead.

This impressive Sierra Nevada route literally climbs a granite cliff high above the Kings River, near Pine Flat Lake north of Sequoia Parks, inside Sierra NF. This granite gorge is due east of farm city Fresno at the edge of Kings Canyon National Park.

If you are a nervous, inexperienced driver and scared of heights – be forewarned: this is not the road for you. The views are amazing, but the terrain can be unforgiving, even deadly.

Paved, narrow, one lane, giant rock overhangs, no guard rails (except on the bridge) the route skirts the North Fork of the Kings, coming down from Wishon Reservoir.

Blackrock Road

Click image above to enlarge and see the tiny Kings River far below the road.

 

Black Rock Lake

Blackrock Reservoir, located up the road – has a PG&E campground in a secluded canyon, with lake fishing and hiking, so it is well worth trouble to take this crazy road. Granite rock canyon, steep mountains, minimal roads.  Seclusion can be found, up this way.

Utmost safety should be taken on this road due to the extreme terrain. When driving one lane roads always keep an eye out for possible turn-outs and oncoming traffic. Forest and lake personnel have living quarters at the base of this road @ BALCH CAMP, so keep driving when passing thru. Follow signs to Blackrock.

breaktime

Above Blackrock Reservoir, further up the canyon, the road becomes DIRT when the pavement stops; this continues to Sawmill Flat Campground and eventually on to Dinkey Creek Road. This whole upper (dirt road) portion is gated for winter and closed during the wetter months. Call ahead to the ranger station at Trimmer to find out if this road is open.

Sierra National Forest
Trimmer Ranger Station
559-855-8321

Sierra Kings River Camping

Sierra National Forest Map USFS
northkings
North fork of Kings River
gorgeview
Road #11S12, gorge view
Historic Site

Kongsberg, California

Historic Town Site: Kongsberg, Eastern Sierra, California

Silver Mountain City

Historic Jail
Remains of City Jail @ Kongsberg, CA

Located on the lightly forested slopes of the Carson River. About 7 miles east of Ebbett’s Pass, Highway 4 (CA SR 4)

Silver Boom Town in 1866
population 3000

Founded as Kongsberg in the late 1850’s by Scandinavian mining prospectors, the town name was later changed to Silver Mountain City. This wild, remote locale was the county seat for Alpine County from 1864 to 1875. The mining camp town was abandoned by 1886.

Nearby Towns:
Markleeville, CA

kongsberg_town

This canyon stretch of SR 4 highway has limited primitive camping options along the water. Flat dirt clearings and maybe a rock fire ring. No facilities, no bathrooms.

Silver Creek runs parallel to the highway and meets East fork of Carson River. Google Maps has this named Alpine State Hwy (which is closed in winter)

Drive less than 55 mph to take in all the scenery, slower if you want to find a decent place to stop. Look for easy pull-offs on dirt, a few trails, parking spots, picnic trees, some favorite fishing spots. Campfire permits are needed for dispersed camping.

Carson River
Carson River SR 4

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

NFS Campgrounds nearby :

  • Silver Creek Campground @ 6800′ elev.
    NFS developed camp w/ fee (open June-Sept)
  • Centerville Flat Campground @ 5900′ elev.
    undeveloped sites. Silver Creek meets East fork of Carson River

pctPacific Crest Trail access –
PCT trail crosses highway near Ebbetts Pass