Unit 415 - Escalon, CA

Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake, operated by Pacific, Gas and Electric Company, is part of the Spring Gap-Stanislaus Hydropower project. It is located 30 miles east of Sonora on State Highway 108. The Lake lies in a timbered setting at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The California Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks Pinecrest Lake with rainbow trout. Groceries and other services are available nearby at the Pinecrest commercial center.

Pinecrest summer visitors enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, interpretive programs and biking.

• Biking
• 300 camp sites with tables, grills, flush toilets and piped water in 2 campgrounds (Pinecrest Campground and Meadowview Campground)
• 3 group sites with tables, grills, fireplaces, vault toilets and piped water in 1 group campground (Pioneer Trail Group Campground)
• Day Use Sites: Pinecrest Boat Launch; 50 picnic sites with grills, flush toilets and piped water in 1 picnic area (Pinecrest); Designated swim area. No dogs allowed in Day Use Area (between Pinecrest Lake Road/Pinecrest Avenue and the boat launch and the fishing pier) from May 15 to September 15.
• Fishing (accessible fishing pier)
• Hiking: Pinecrest National Recreation Trail, a 4 mile hiking trail around the lake; Paved pathways connecting points of interest

In winter, the Pinecrest area is a popular destination for downhill and nordic skiers. Groomed or marked trails are maintained for winter recreationists throughout the area.

• Nordic Skiing
• Winter Recreation