Pinecrest Lake

Tuolumne County

Pinecrest Lake, Tuolumne County, California
Pinecrest Lake, Tuolumne County, California

Pinecrest Lake

Tuolumne County


Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake has been a family vacation destination for more than a century. This beautiful alpine lake is proof that even a small lake can be one of California's best.

Pinecrest is popular for slow-speed boating, fishing, swimming, camping and hiking. The 4-mile trek around the lake is almost a required initiation for first-timers. A great marina offers boat rentals, nearby stores have supplies, and lodges offer a variety of accommodations.

Pinecrest Lake is located a half-hour's drive east of Sonora in the Stanislaus National Forest.


Boating

Pinecrest Lake sees mostly anglers on its clear waters. Fishing boats, pontoon boats, and float tubes dot the lake. Pedal boats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes also launch into the lake.

Marinas

Pinecrest Lake has a single marina that offers a good supply of rental boats. The single launch ramp can be busy of summer weekends.

Fishing

Fishing at Pinecrest Lake is mostly for rainbow trout. Anglers do well from boats and shore. A fishing pier, a safe place for children to cast their lines into the water, is located near the beach.

Campgrounds

Pinecrest Campground is at the western end of the lake, with campsites close enough that campers can walk to the beach, marina, or fishing pier. Other campgrounds are located nearby, including a group campground along Dodge Ridge Road above the lake.

Lodging

Pinecrest Lake Resort is the main lodging choice right at the lake, along with scarce cabin rentals. Nearby, however, are a number of lodges with a variety of facilities from cabins to lodge rooms.

Scenery

Pinecrest Lake is another mountain beauty with Sierra peaks rising in the background and thick pine and cedar forests along the shores. A rocky point juts into the lake near the dam.

Nearby Communities

The community of Pinecrest has a grocery store, sporting goods store, and restaurant. Only a couple of miles away in Strawberry are another restaurant and store. More services can be found back down the mountain in small communities like Twain Harte or a half hour away in Sonora.

Pinecrest Lake, Tuolumne County, California

Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake Facts
Lake Size: 300 surface acres
Maximum Depth: feet
Length: 1.5 miles
Shoreline: 4 miles
Original Dam Construction: 1856
Larger Dam Construction: 1916
Reservoir Owner: Pacific Gas & Electric
Maximum Lake Elevation: 5,600 feet
Average High Air Temperatures
  spring: 66 degrees
  summer: 79 degrees
  fall: 71 degrees
  winter: 46 degrees
Summer Surface Water Temperature: 72 degrees

Recreation Opportunities Near
Pinecrest Lake

  • Bicycling and Mountain Biking, rent a bike from the Hub in Pinecrest near the store
  • Nature Hikes - Stop at the Summit Ranger Station for directions to short, local nature walks
  • Outdoor Movies and Programs - First-run family movies and ranger programs at the amphitheater. Pinecrest Theater
  • Horseback Riding - Trail rides at nearby Aspen Meadow Pack Station
  • Niagara Creek OHV - Niagara Creek OHV

Sonora Pass Vacations

For complete information about recreation, lodging, and camping up and down Sonora Pass, check Sonora Pass Vacations

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