Pinecrest Hiking

The U.S. Forest Service’s Summit Ranger District station, is a mile from Pinecrest Lake. You can visit them and get information about a little trail across the street that winds through a few bark teepees.
There is a four mile winding trail around Pinecrest. Considered a moderate hike plan to be gone for 2 hours. Look for all the wildlife in the area and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
Branching off of the lake trail are trails to Cleo’s bath and Catfish lake. The trail to Catfish lake, once home to catfish is past the dam. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour from the turn off at the lake trail.
Cleo’s bath is a series of natural pools along the river which feeds Pinecrest Lake. There is a sign directing you to Cleo’s bath from the lake trail but the hike is strenuous, you need good hiking shoes and be able to climb over rocks. For more about Pinecrest go to the destination guide. For more about the town and history of Pinecrest visit the community pages.
Note: There are no facilities on the lake trail or the trail to Cleo’s.
Chris Ward's Drone footage of Pinecrest in winter.
Curious Californian's Pinecrest Lake in Summer Video
Trail Peek's video of Pinecrest Peak Trail Mountain Biking.
If you want to stay in the Mother Lode take a look our list of places to stay.
Planning a wedding, conference or other event? Take a look our list of places to host your event.
Tell us about your experience at this place! Contact Us
Events
LDS Temple Modesto | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Mountain Heirloom Quilt Faire
Calaveras County Fairgrounds | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Summerville High School All Years Reunion - Reception
Motherlode Christian School | 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sonora Farmers Market | 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Summerville High School All Years Reunion - Calling All Bears 2026
Westside Memorial Park | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Twain Harte Area CERT CPR Training
Twain Harte Community Services District | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Murphys Creek Theatre | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Story of Three
Winter's Haven | 3:00 pm
Railtown 1897 Offers Spooky Fun Fall & Harvest Celebrations
Railtown 1897 Historic State Park Jamestown | 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
