Located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the Sierra National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres of oak-covered foothills, middle elevations slopes and alpine landscapes. The park website recommends making reservations for campgrounds--which can be up to a year in advance-- and notes you will need a visitor permit for overnight stays in the wilderness areas. You may hunt and fish during California Department of Fish and Game's designated seasons and will need a license.
Sierra National Forest
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA 93611-0532
559-297-0706
fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/
The home of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest has 38 groves of giant sequoias. The park has guided walks that explore the various campgrounds as well as the Trail of 100 Giants, river rafting, and a lot of kid's activities, like Animal Inn, which teaches kids and adults about habitats in the park. Some lookout towers are available for rental, as well as guard cabins.
Sequoia National Forest
1839 South Newcomb Street
Porterville, CA 93257-9353
559-784-1500
fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/
Created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, the Cleveland National Forest has day hikes, picnic areas, wild pig hunting and is a haven for endangered species and many kinds of wildlife. Consisting of 424,000 acres, the forest has three mountain ranges, scenic drives and off-highway trails for ATVs and motorcycles. As with all national forests, hunting and fishing licenses are required, and reservations are recommended.
Cleveland National Forest
10845 Rancho Bernardo Road
San Diego, CA 92127-2107
85-673-6180
fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/
In Northern California, Shasta Trinity National Forest sits at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 14,000 feet. The forest is 2.1 million acres of five wilderness areas, 6,278 miles of streams and rivers and hundreds of mountain lakes. Camping in Shasta Trinity includes cabin rentals (including lookouts), developed campgrounds and undeveloped camping throughout the five wilderness areas. Other recreational activities include fishing, hiking, horse riding, hunting, and climbing Mt. Shasta, which is a world-class climbing challenge.
Shasta Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002
530-226-2500
Fs.usda.gove/stnf
