The Stanislaus National Forest is located due north of Yosemite National Park and encompasses a triptych of High Sierra volcanic wilderness the Mokelumne, Carson-Iceberg and Emigrant Wilderness, reveal an alien landscape of volcanic vents, cirques, plugs and cinder cones that remind visitors of the inferno that raged beneath the surface. Against this barren moonscape of rugged canyons and granite escarpments, wildflowers explode into a kaleidoscope of color as groves of sugar, Jeffrey and lodgepole pine cling to slopes, valleys and meadows. The Stanislaus National Forest, created on February 22, 1897, is among the oldest of the national forests. It is named for the Stanislaus River whose headwaters rise within forest boundaries.
The Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga named the river “Our Lady of Guadulupe” during an 1806 expedition. Later, the river was renamed in honor of Estanislao, an Indian leader. During the gold rush, the area became a busy place, occupied by miners and other immigrants, homesteaders and ranchers, dam builders and loggers. Ditches were built, providing water to the mines. Several railroads were constructed to haul logs out of the woods. Evidence of these activities still exist.
With its diverse landscapes, the Stanislaus National Forest provides habitat for 325 wildlife species and 18 fish species It also offers a variety of recreational opportunities. You can swim near a sandy beach or wade into cold clear streams cooling your feet while lost in the beauty of nature. Raft the exciting and breathtaking Tuolumne River, or canoe one of the many gorgeous lakes. You can ride a horse, a mountain bike or a snowmobile. Clearly the choice is yours in the special places of the Stanislaus National Forest.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Stanislaus National Forest
19777 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-532-3671
Fax: 209-533-1890
Calaveras Ranger District
P. O. Box 500
Highway 4
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
Phone: 209-795-1381
Fax: 209-795-6849
Groveland Ranger District
24545 Highway 120
Groveland, CA 95321
Phone: 209-962-7825
Fax: 209-962-7412
Mi-Wok Ranger District
P. O. Box 100
24695 Highway 108
Mi-Wuk Village, CA 95346
Phone: 209-586-3234
Fax: 209-586-0643
Summit Ranger District
1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Pinecrest, CA 95364
Phone: 209-965-3434
Fax: 209-965-3372
Popularity: 1% [?]
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