Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Stanislaus National Forest
Adventure Awaits
With 78 lakes, 811 miles of streams and rivers, and more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, the 898,000 acre Stanislaus National Forest is the perfect destination for whatever your next adventure may be!
-
Fire Restrictions
Effective Nov. 8, 2024: There are no current fire restrictions in the High Hazard and Moderate Hazard areas on the Stanislaus National Forest.
-
Outdoor Safety
Each year several individuals or parties get lost, hurt and even killed in the woods. The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to plan ahead, prepare for your trip and know a few important safety tips.
-
Events
From presentations to guided walks, there are regular opportunities for you to get involved, learn more, and have your voice heard!
-
Christmas Tree Permits
Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information needed to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one. Forest Service employees can provide valuable information about road and trail access and permissive cutting areas. Use this information to plan your trip and travel route.
-
Confronting the Wildfire Crisis Strategy - the Stanislaus Landscape
All your questions answered about the 307,000 acres Stanislaus Landscape Project and the work underway to return fire to the landscape while building resilient communities and ecosystems.
-
Hands - on Activities and Educational Videos
Want to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the Stanislaus National Forest?! Click here to find educational videos, Junior Ranger booklets, scavenger hunts, and more!
Peek Inside the Forest
-
Flying Wild: Stanislaus partners with Cal Guard to deliver critical supplies!
When supplies need to be delivered to repair a cultural site in the middle of the wilderness, the nature and isolation that draws people to the area can soon become obstacles to Forest Service employees. Luckily, they have a partner to call on for special deliveries! .
-
Stanislaus celebrates milestones in Ackerson Meadow Restoration Project
The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other partner agencies celebrated the completion of phase 1 of the 2-year Ackerson Meadow restoration at Ackerson Meadow.
-
Growing hope: Stanislaus National Forest wraps up annual Rim Fire replanting for Spring
The Stanislaus National Forest planted 493,000 trees over 1,500 acres in under three weeks this year in the Rim Fire burn scar as part of their annual Spring planting in the Groveland Ranger District of the forest.
Highlighted Areas
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River
Considered to be some of the best "All Around" whitewater in the nation, the Main Tuolumne offers 16-18 miles of Class 4-5 rapids. Side streams such as the Clavey River, Big Creek, and the North Fork of the Tuolumne River offers side hikes, fishing holes, and warm swimming pools during the summer months.
Main Tuolumne - The Main Tuolumne is a challenging and enjoyable Class 4+, 18-mile whitewater run through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This section has some demanding rapids spaced at close intervals. At above 4,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). The river becomes more powerful and recovery more difficult. The biggest rapid, the Clavey, can be walked around or portaged. Camping is available at several sites along the way. Reservoir release summer flows generally arrive at Merals Pool launch mid-morning and drop to less than 300cfs after noon. A three-day trip allows boaters to enjoy the canyon and its tributaries. River flow graphs can be found at http://dreamflows.com.
During spring runoff, flows above 5,000 CFS make the Main Tuolumne a class 5 experience. The takeout at Wards Ferry Bridge is difficult and dangerous at all times. Stay hydrated and exercise caution carrying boats up the bridge.
Cherry Creek - The 9-mile class 5+ Cherry Creek/Tuolumne run is one of the most challenging commercial runs in the world. Yet the nature of the rock in the riverbed allows expert boaters an exhilarating experience. It has 15 class 5 rapids. Two 5+ rapids (Flat Rock Falls and Lumsden Falls) are recommended portage. Generally, it is run below 2,000 CFS. Boaters who attempt this run are well-advised to go with experts that have run the river before. As with the Main T, a permit is required to run the river. Permits are available at www.recreation.gov
Separate permits are required from Cherry-Creek to Merals Pool and from Merals Pool to Wards Ferry Bridge.