Pinecrest Lake Loop, Strawberry CA

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile loop
• Medium | Gain 360 ft (Peak 5,725 ft)
• Strawberry, CA
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The image shows a serene lakeside scene with clear blue water, rocky shores, and a backdrop of forested hills under a bright blue sky with some clouds. The lake is surrounded by pine trees, and there are large rocks both in the water and along the shore.

The image shows a serene lakeside scene with clear blue water, rocky shores, and a backdrop of forested hills under a bright blue sky with some clouds. The lake is surrounded by pine trees, and there are large rocks both in the water and along the shore.

Peaceful views from the Eastern end of Pinecrest Lake.

Five-and-a-half thousand feet above sea level in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and some thirty miles East of Sonora, Pinecrest Lake is a popular escape from Central Valley heat in summer months, but also a great destination for sledding and scenic snowscapes in winter before State Route 108 closes for the season.

Featuring a large crescent beach, a marina, several campgrounds and even an outdoor movie theater, the lake is well appointed and there something to keep each member of the family happy. For the more active among us, the four mile long looping trail is a great way to escape the bustle of the beach.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Pinecrest Lake Loop 3.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 360 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Though a clockwise route starting at the beach begins with a sandy flat trail, we recommend sturdy footwear for this hike as the sand quickly yields to rock, and the rocky and uneven surface persists for the full circuit of the lake. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic on your route, and the panoramic mountain lake views are everywhere on this hike. Plenty of shade too.

For a longer journey that includes a swimming hole, check out our AllTrails link to the Cleo's Bath Trail at the bottom of the page which doubles the length of the hike via an out-and-back trail at the East end of the lake that runs parallel to the South Fork Stanislaus River.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two outdoor scenes. The left side shows a group of people walking on a dirt trail through a forested area with tall trees and mountainous terrain in the background. The right side depicts a few individuals walking along a stone pathway beside a body of water, likely a lake or reservoir, with a forested hillside in the background.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two outdoor scenes. The left side shows a group of people walking on a dirt trail through a forested area with tall trees and mountainous terrain in the background. The right side depicts a few individuals walking along a stone pathway beside a body of water, likely a lake or reservoir, with a forested hillside in the background.

Clockwise from the beach the trail starts flat. | Fishing for trout off Strawberry Dam.

The image shows a scenic lakeside view with a sandy beach in the foreground. There are several lounge chairs set up on the beach, and a few people are visible near the water. The lake is calm and clear, with several white buoys floating on the surface. The background features forested hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a scenic lakeside view with a sandy beach in the foreground. There are several lounge chairs set up on the beach, and a few people are visible near the water. The lake is calm and clear, with several white buoys floating on the surface. The background features forested hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.

Excellent sandy beach on the Western shore of Pinecrest Lake.

The image is divided into two parts. The left side shows the front of an old steam locomotive inside a train shed or museum. The locomotive is black with a large headlight at the top and various mechanical components visible. The right side of the image shows a view from the back of a train car, looking out onto a set of railroad tracks that extend into the distance. The tracks are surrounded by trees and some dry grass, suggesting a rural or semi-rural setting. This image is interesting as it juxtaposes the historical aspect of the steam locomotive with the ongoing journey on the railroad tracks, highlighting the enduring legacy of rail transport.

Add a sidetrip to Sonora's Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.

Tangents:
• Official: Forest Service
• Other Link: Railtown 1897
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Lake Loop, Cleo's Bath
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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