Area Status: Open
It is located 30 miles east of Sonora on State Highway 108. The Recreation Area lies in a timbered setting at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks Pinecrest Lake with rainbow trout.
Can you swim in Pinecrest Lake?
Pinecrest Lake is popular for swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing and sailing (small boats). A nearby resort offers boat rentals, lodging and groceries. Movies and interpretive programs are provided in the evenings at the amphitheater, also located in the day use area.
How much does it cost to get into Pinecrest Lake?
No fee for parking and visiting the day use area including for the use of a single picnic table and grill. For a large-group picnic site, the fee is $60 per-day per-site and can be reserved at Recreation.gov up to 12-months in advance. Fees are not accepted on site.
Is Pinecrest Lake drained?
The Pinecrest Lake is partially drained each fall to provide room for the spring snow melt. The sloping lake bed turns into a sled run in the winter (but not a very fast one). Pinecrest Lake is formed by a dam on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River.
Is Pinecrest campground open now?
Area Status: Open
It has 200 campsites, each of which has a metal firering and a picnic table. Roads and parking areas, which vary in length, are paved. Water hydrants are located to serve several sites.
Who owns Pinecrest Lake?
The present dam at Pinecrest, previously called Lower Strawberry Reservoir Dam, was built by Sierra and San Francisco Power Company for hydroelectric power, the water is managed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Is Pinecrest Lake busy?
Pinecrest has something for everyone, including paved a walking path along the lake, easy for everyone to enjoy. The lake is pretty large and with a boat, you can probably find a secluded spot on the other side. Personally, this lake gets too crowded for my tastes.
What kind of fish are in Pinecrest Lake?
You may fish year round at Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow Trout are planted on a weekly basis from Memorial Weekend thru mid-September. There are also Brown Trout, small Kokane and Catfish in Pinecrest Lake.
How far across is Pinecrest Lake?
Discover this 3.9-mile loop trail near Strawberry, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete.
Does Pinecrest have showers?
Pinecrest Camping Amenities
Showers: Pay showers ($5) are located next to the Pinecrest Store just across the road from Pinecrest Campground. Supplies: The Pinecrest Campground Kiosk sells ice and firewood.
Are dogs allowed at Pinecrest Campground?
The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and spectacular hiking trails. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.
Where does Pinecrest Lake get its water?
Pinecrest Lake and Lyons Reservoir are part of two hydro-electric power generation facilities owned, maintained and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG & E). In an agreement with PG & E, TUD receives its water supply from Lyons Reservoir through the 15.7 mile Main Canal.
Is Pinecrest Lake low?
Sonora Pass & Campground Report
Pinecrest Lake is at 5,679 feet of elevation. Weather conditions there reflect conditions at nearby Dodge Ridge, Strawberry, Leland High Sierra Snowplay and Beardsley Reservoir.
Does Pinecrest Lake have WIFI?
Wi-Fi internet service is available, during posted hours, within 100′ of the kiosk. Pinecrest has a store, restaurant, weekly outdoor movies, Sunday church services, and ranger programs.
Is Pinecrest Lake busy?
Pinecrest has something for everyone, including paved a walking path along the lake, easy for everyone to enjoy. The lake is pretty large and with a boat, you can probably find a secluded spot on the other side. Personally, this lake gets too crowded for my tastes.
What’s the water temperature at Pinecrest Lake?
Today. Pinecrest Lake’s current water temperature is 54°F.
