Special Places
Highlighted Areas
Cherry Lake
Fish and boat on the largest lake on the Forest. Open all year, road access subject to winter closure. Cherry Lake visitors enjoy camping, boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. Recreation facilities include a boat launch and vault restrooms. There are no cell, fuel, grocery, or water services at Cherry Lake. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.
Check current fire restrictions when planning your trip at Stanislaus National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov)
California Campfire Permit is required to have fire in a dispersed campsite. Campfire permits can be obtained for free at any Forest Service office or online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Cherry Lake Boat Launch
North of Highway 120, off Cherry Lake Road. Fish and boat on the largest lake on the Forest. From Groveland District Office head east on Highway 120. Approximately 5 miles, turn left on Cherry Lake Road. Follow Cherry Lake Road 20 miles to Cherry Lake. There are no cell, fuel, grocery, or water services at Cherry Lake. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.
Check current fire restrictions when planning your trip at Stanislaus National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov)
California Campfire Permit is required to have fire in a dispersed campsite. Campfire permits can be obtained for free at any Forest Service office or online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/
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
Seperate permits are required from Cherry-Creek to Merals Pool and from Merals Pool to Wards Ferry Bridge.
Cherry Valley Campground
Cherry Valley Campground is located in a mixed conifer forested site near Cherry Lake. Each site has a picnic table, bear box, and a campfire pit with a grill. Vault toilets are available.