Recreation

Explore the Tahoe!

With breathtaking mountain peaks, lush meadows filled with wildflowers, historic mining towns, destination vacation spots at Goodyears Bar, Downieville, Sierra City, Truckee, Yuba River, the Lakes Basin Area and the Jackson Meadows Region, the Tahoe National Forest is one of the most popular recreation forests in the US.

Skip to the recreation map and conditions report

• In winter, there are outstanding winter sports opportunities including world renowned downhill ski areas and extensive snowmobile and cross-country ski trails to experience.
• In the summer, an extensive array of hiking trails (including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail) , OHV, equestrian and mountain biking trails provide access to many lakes, rivers, and mountain tops. Summer interpretive programs are offered throughout the forest. Learn more about interpretive programs, including hikes, walks and campground programs, here. 
• Check the alerts/notices page for fire restrictions, closures, etc. before your trip

Developed recreation sites including campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, nature trails and even a fire lookout or two that can be rented for overnight occupancy.

Travel Corridors

The recreation information is primarily organized by travel corridor. The main travel corridors are: Interstate 80, Highway 49, Highway 20, Highway 89 (North and South), Foresthill Divide Road, Mosquito Ridge Road, Bowman Road, Marysville Road, and Gold Lakes Road. Activities such as camping and hiking will also have related links to boating, biking, trailheads, parking, and OHV riding in the same corridor.

Accessible Recreation Facilities

Our accessible recreation guide lists facilities and recreation opportunities by Ranger District with features that are accessible for people with disabilities. (Not all locations/facilities listed are 100% accessible.) Because we are continually adding new accessible sites, please call ahead to the Ranger District for more information. The facilities listed meet federal accessibility standards (32-inch minimum width for doorways, adequate room for turning etc).

• For more information on accessible recreation facilities on the Tahoe National Forest, follow this link.

Current Recreation Conditions

Spotlights

Burlington OHV System

During the winter months, the Burlington OHV system may be closed after periods of heavy rain when soil moisture levels would likely result in trail damage if riding were to occur. For the most up to date information, please call (530)-478-6253.

The Burlington Motorcycle Trail System includes 50 miles of winding, narrow trails.  The staging area is 0.1 mile from Highway 20 on the Chalk Bluff Road.

Link to map

Parker Flat Staging Area - (530)-478-6254 x228

During the winter months, the American River OHV system may be closed after periods of heavy rain when soil moisture levels would likely result in trail damage if riding were to occur. For the most up to date information, please call (530)-478-6254 x228

Staging area for Foresthill OHV Trails with limited camping available (camping subject to closure per forest order).

Beginning fall of 2020, the Sugar Pine Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Wet Weather Management Plan will be implemented for OHV Roads and Trails on American River Ranger District. This will increase OHV riding opportunities by adopting a more flexible open/close strategy for riding in Foresthill CA. This soil-moisture condition-based approach will help Trail Managers determine when existing OHV roads and trails should be opened or closed in the Sugar Pine Motorized Trail System area. The associated operating plan will minimize resource damage caused by travel during wet weather periods. The removal of the fixed wet weather seasonal closure dates are expected to reduce future sediment delivery and improve water quality. Up to date closure status can be found at the voicemail (530)-478-6254 x228. During fall and winter months, please check this number frequently to get up to date OHV riding opportunities and closure status