California's 'Gateway To The Sierra' Is A Picturesque National Forest Full Of Recreation

The Sierra Nevada is one of America's great mountain ranges, home to amazing attractions such as Yosemite, Mount Whitney, and this national park where you can experience some of the largest trees in the world. While many people associate California with sandy beaches and deep desert landscapes, the Sierra is perhaps the state's greatest treasure, a massive wall of granite that is as formidable as it is beautiful, inspiring the likes of John Muir, the founder of the modern conservation movement.

However, it's not just the towering spires and pristine alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada that draw visitors. The valleys and woodlands surrounding this iconic mountain range are also worthy of exploration, and also lack the crowds that may gather in the more popular spots. One such place is Eldorado National Forest, a natural playground dubbed the "gateway to the Sierra" by the U.S. Forest Service.

Occupying over 600,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, Eldorado National Forest is one of California's true outdoor gems, with lakes, rivers, streams, alpine meadows, lofty ridges, deep valleys, and large stands of oak and pine. Whether it's hiking or fishing, or just pitching a tent amongst pristine natural surroundings, the Eldorado National Forest is the perfect, picturesque destination for outdoor recreation.

Ranging in elevation from 1,000 feet in the foothills to the 10,000-foot crest of the Sierra Nevada, Eldorado National Forest occupies a wide variety of topography and landscapes. It's one of California's major watersheds, with four rivers — the Middle and South Fork of the American River, the Cosumnes River, and the North Fork of the Mokelumne River. The forest also contains 611 miles of fishable streams and is home to 297 lakes and reservoirs, drawing anglers from all around who come in hopes of hooking in a giant.

While fishing is a major activity in Eldorado National Forest, hiking rules the roost, with over 350 miles of paths offering everything from casual day jaunts to multi-day backpacking expeditions. If cruising on two wheels is your thing, most paths are also open to bicycles, as well as equestrians. Some popular routes include the Bassi Falls Trail (an easy 4-mile jaunt to the cascade it's named for); the Woods, Winnemucca, and Round Top Lakes Trail; and the challenging Horsetail Falls Trail. If you're looking to really get deep, you can hike into one of the forest's two dedicated wilderness areas: the Mokelumne and the Desolation, both of which offer the Sierra Nevada in its rawest form.

Eldorado National Forest is also a great place to camp, with 70 developed day-use and overnight facilities that host everything from RVs to basic tents, along with five cabins available for rent. The forest also allows dispersed camping, meaning you can drive in and set up wherever you'd like, unless specifically prohibited. Just make sure to bring your own water, pack out your trash, and procure a campfire permit if you plan on roasting any marshmallows.

Eldorado National Forest acts as a perfect gateway to the Sierra Nevada, where the opportunity for outdoor activities is seemingly limitless. Hit one of the three national parks — Yosemite, Kings Canyon, or Sequoia — that call the Sierra home, or head out to Highway 395, where you can shoot south to this unique lake with otherworldly rock formations. Next up is the spectacular mountain town of Mammoth Lakes. Grab a bite and a coffee before exploring one of the five alpine lakes surrounding the town, or go on a day hike to Rainbow Falls, a spectacular waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.

While some parts of the Sierra Nevada are very remote and take a long time to reach, Eldorado National Forest is conveniently located. The closest major airport is the Sacramento International Airport, roughly 90 minutes away by car. Alternatively, Reno International Airport is about a two-hour drive from the forest.