California's Stanislaus National Forest Is Home To This Underrated Lake That Rivals Tahoe

One thing California is well known for is miles of untouched natural beauty. While much attention is given to the state's National Park Service sites (it's home to the most national parks in America), ski slopes, and lake resorts, there are so many underrated areas yet to be fully enjoyed. Nestled at 5,600 feet in the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County is a stunning mountain reservoir known for its scenic beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and adventure. Similar to more popular lakes like Tahoe or Mammoth, Pinecrest Lake (also known as Strawberry Reservoir) is easily accessible by car — making it a great destination for spending a day or week out enjoying nature. 

Originally developed during the 1914 logging boom for drinking water and power, the lake is now owned and managed by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Today, the area serves as a hydroelectric reservoir and recreational haven. Despite its growing popularity, Pinecrest retains a quiet, rustic charm, making it an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors will find access to lakeside parking, a well-maintained marina, and nearby amenities such as campgrounds, a few restaurants, cabins, a grocery store, and even a small outdoor movie theater playing movies each night during summer.  Located about 30 miles east of Sonora and 130-150 miles from Sacramento and the Bay Area, Pinecrest Lake is one of the best West Coast swimming lakes for the perfect all-American weekend getaway.

As with most lakes, Pinecrest offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Fishing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and camping await those looking to have fun in the great outdoors. For fishing fans, in the summertime, Pinecrest Lake is replenished with rainbow trout weekly, so even the worst of anglers are bound to catch something. The Pinecrest Lake Marina provides many different types of rentals for visitors to enjoy lake activities, such as kayaks, paddleboats, sailboats, motorboats, and even party boats (10-passenger pontoon boats). Pinecrest also offers ample hiking opportunities, like Cleo's Bath Trail via Pinecrest Lake Loop — a semi-difficult 6.8-mile loop trail that circles the lake — and the Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail — an easy 4-mile lakeside hike. Visitors can also explore the area via horseback through Aspen Meadow Pack Station — a company that offers guided trail rides from June to September, depending on the weather.

Speaking of weather, if you decide to visit Pinecrest during the winter months, located four miles up the road is Dodge Ridge Ski Area, which offers 12 lifts and 59 runs over 815 acres. The runs are divided at 20% for beginners, 40% for intermediate, and 40% for advanced. Leland High Sierra Snow Play is located about 7 miles away and offers those who don't ski the chance to sled and tube in the snow instead. Spring is also a beautiful time to come and explore the lake and its surrounding area; as the snow melts, surrounding meadows bloom and offer some of the most beautiful hikes for spring wildflowers in the world. Pinecrest is also a wildlife haven, with sightings of deer, eagles, and sometimes even black bears adding to the charm.

Pinecrest Lake Resort is the lake's closest non-camping accommodation and offers visitors the opportunity to spend the night in either deluxe motel rooms, rustic two and three-bedroom cabins, or two and three-bedroom townhouses. Currently, prices for the motel rooms are $170 per night in winter (September 1 to May 22) and $225 per night in summer (May 23 to August 31). Two-bedroom cabins are $270 in winter and $350 in summer. Three-bedroom options are $285 in winter and $370 in summer. Expect to pay $300 in winter and $390 in summer for a two-bedroom townhouse. Three-bedroom townhouses are $310 in winter and $410 in summer. 

Campsites are also available for those looking to stay at the lake on a budget. Each campsite includes paved parking, a picnic table, a campfire ring, restrooms, and a utility sink. There are no RV hookups or showers available. Campsites go for $40 per night, and booking availability is released on a rolling six-month basis. During your stay, check out the day-use beach, marina, shopping center, recreation cabins, amphitheater, visitor center, bike rentals, and hiking trails.

Although bringing your own food along is recommended, Pinecrest has a few restaurant and snack bar options to choose from in case you forgot something or are simply tired of hot dogs. Visitors can head to The Serene Bean for caffeine, The Strawberry Inn for a solid breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the lakeside Snack Shack for quick bites, Mia's for pizza and sandwiches, and The Steam Donkey for a more polished atmosphere and higher-end food like steak and fish.