Sierra National Forest Guide

Activities in Sierra National Forest

You will have no lack of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy inside the Sierra National Forest.

• Identifying Flora and Fauna

  

  The forest contains stands of cottonwood, oaks, willows and shrubs at the lower elevations, dogwoods on the middle slopes and alpine aspen at the higher elevations. In the spring, wildflowers like goldfields, Indian pink, pretty faces, foothill poppies, red maids and more proliferate on the mountain slopes.

  As you hike the mountain slopes, everyone will have a chance to see some of the animals that inhabit the park. Black bears, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, marmots and quail are just some of the wildlife you may encounter. 

• Sightseeing

  

  The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway and the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway are two scenic byways in the national forest. The Sierra Vista byway begins at North Fort and ascends through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to more than 7,000 feet. This byway provides views of the John Muir, Ansel Adams and Kaiser Wilderness Areas along 100 miles of highway. The Sierra Heritage byway is 70 miles long and travels through several lakes, creeks and resort areas. Beginning in Clovis, the byway goes up the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada range and passes Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake and Kaiser Peak. 

• Hiking and Winter Activities

  

  There are miles and miles of hiking and multi-use trails throughout the forest and mountains. In the winter, visitors will enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, snow skiing, dog sledding, and snow camping.

• Fishing and Boating

  

  Anglers will love the streams and lakes that are well-stocked with many types of trout, bluegill, bass and other species. The Sierra National Forest provides numerous opportunities for all types of boating activities.