California's 'Gateway To The Sierra' Is A National Forest With Rivers, Lakes, And Campsites

The Sierra Nevada is an awe-inspiring mountain range in the western United States, standing proud along the eastern edge of California for more than 250 miles. Its rugged terrain varies from 50 to 80 miles in width and is home to some of the highest peaks in the contiguous U.S., including Mount Whitney at over 14,400 feet. The range is famous for its towering granite peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and thick forests, which house the world's largest trees — the ever-impressive sequoias, like the General Sherman Tree. Here, you can also find protected lands like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Outside of these attractions, another special place calls the Sierras home — Eldorado National Forest.

Eldorado National Forest is a jaw-dropping natural gem with incredible mountain scenery and heaps of outdoor recreational opportunities. Located between Tahoe National Forest to the north and Stanislaus National Forest to the south, Eldorado spans almost 800,000 acres. It serves as a convenient escape from California's bustling cities, sitting just one to one and a half hours from Sacramento and three to four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. The best time to visit is during summer when the warm weather makes hiking, camping, and other outdoor excursions ideal. However, fall and spring offer fewer crowds, and winter transforms the forest into a snowy dream for skiers.

The forest is a paradise for those who like to play outside, proudly offering more than 400 miles of hiking trails that wind through serene meadows, alpine lakes, and granite peaks. Popular hikes include Thunder Mountain, which offers panoramic views, the scenic Caples Creek Trail, and the rugged Granite Lake Trail. Eldorado provides anything from meadows full of wildflowers to challenging ascents up prominent peaks with incredible vistas.

If you're keen on staying the night in the forest, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Eldorado National Forest provides over 70 developed campsites catering to families, larger groups, and individuals (just make sure you know the difference between a walk-up and a walk-in campsite). From deep forest hideaways to incredible lakeside spots, it's hard to beat the camping here. If solitude and deep backcountry are more your style, opt for the Mokelumne or Desolation Wilderness areas, which provide backcountry camping amongst towering pines and secluded sparkling lakes.

For those who would rather go vertical than horizontal, Eldorado offers world-class traditional rock climbing routes at the infamous Lover's Leap, a roughly 600-foot granite wall with over 250 developed routes. Lover's Leap attracts granite lovers from near and far with popular routes like Corrugation Corner, Bear's Reach, and the Surrealistic Pillar. Whether you're a beginner or an expert looking for an adrenaline-pumping day, this area provides an unforgettable climbing experience and has its own campsite too. Camp just beneath the wall for first dibs on routes after coffee.

Eldorado National Forest is known for its lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The region features 297 lakes and reservoirs alongside 611 miles of streams and rivers. The forest is intersected by four major river systems: the Middle Fork of the American River, the Rubicon River, the South Fork of the American River, and the Cosumnes River. Thanks to these waterways, fishing is a year-round activity. Anglers can reel in brook, brown, and rainbow trout, and river fishing is permitted from April to mid-November. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities at Silver Lake and Union Valley Reservoir, where clear blue waters can reflect the surrounding mountain peaks and pines. Stretch your legs and head for popular alpine lakes via hikes along Shealor Lake Trail or the Echo Lakes Trail.

Winter turns the forest into a snowy winter wonderland, with resorts like Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe (learn more with this guide to Tahoe's best ski resorts) offering excellent skiing and snowboarding for those of all ages and abilities. If resort life isn't your thing, the forest offers plenty of backcountry adventures including three ski-in cabins — Loon Lake Chalet, Robb's Hut, and Van Vleck Bunkhouse. Each offers rustic lodging in a truly remarkable winter setting. For a more educational experience, join the free "Ski with a Ranger" program; expert guides lead these tours through the groomed trails of the resorts.

If you're a history buff, don't miss the original California Gold Rush site in the American River at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Take a guided tour to learn about the area's history before, during, and after the Gold Rush. Visitors can also take a lesson and pan for gold with the hopes of shaking out some real gold flakes!