Forest roads/routes/lakes/camping/off roading

I've seen some group runs out through Plumas (PNF) threads and different people hitting different trails I wondered (also for my benefit) if the NorCal section could use a thread for for thru-forest routes they've enjoyed, not so secret high altitude lakes or forest service roads they've enjoyed and campsites deep in the woods.
In the Tahoe (TNF) I see bowman lake/ McMurry lake but have never been. Anyone?
I understand that it obviously depends on what kind of rig you're running, what kind of clearance/recovery gear one has but let's start a thread and see if it goes anywhere.
I'll start. Back when I had my 98 2x4 Tacoma I was part of a long fly fishing trip starting out on Forest route 11 just outside the city of McCleoud. Squaw Valley Road becomes Forest Route 11 and you can go for days passing numerous campsites, lots of fishing spots and river fun and it crosses the PCT twice if you go far enough in. had no problem the entire time with 2 wheel drive and therefore would rate it as easy.
If you're lookin to get started in the forest I would suggest the "Forest Maps" app or Avenza, both have downloadable maps and the Forest Maps are easy to use if you're familiar with Topo and I find it to be a great tool.
I am a new 4x4 owner and long time off the beaten path camper and explorer, looking for suggestions and pointers and hoping our other brothers and sisters in The Great North can learn from some of you old grizzled salt dogs that spend time in this forum.

 

I tend to go more in the Bowman Lake area later in the season, as there are more places you can find to have camp fires during the fire restriction season. FR07/Jackson Meadow rd. is a main route, it joins into/becomes Meadow Lake road. Hwy89 to Hwy 20.
Most of these roads and adjacent roads are mainly 2wd capable , season permitting. Unless you head up to Meadow Lake on the top of the mountain, and find the exit side of the Fordyce Trail. Then 4wd.

I've found a couple non listed trails every now and then that doesn't take you far that would be 4wd also.

 

This is just the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Awesome.
let's keep a good thing going.

 

I have done big routes though Mendocino, Plumas, Lassen, Tahoe, Eldorado, Stanislaus, Inyo, Sequoia, and Sierra National Forests. I have a few left here to hit (Mondoc, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity), and am starting to check off forests and BLM in our neighbor states.

I use Gaia GPS for my planning and routing, but also download the MVUM to see the roads they are actually maintaining (not all NF have MVUM yet).

 

Andy, been meaning to hit you up.
Been looking for a run/route that would be hitting more of several streams and rivers on a jurny. I like to trout fish. Not really into sitting on a Lake side. Like to run up and down the streams to each hole.

Downieville has more of this setup, but, been to populated and played out be me for 30 yrs.

 

post them on here and they will all soon be played out.

 

Now that I posted up what I'm looking for, be a good pal and send me a PM on location.

 

I got my fishing license already. Hint.

 

Stanislaus has a nice trail along the river from near Strawberry, but you need a special key at some point. Plumas has a lot of cool places to hit the feather river, but you have to do some wheeling for a few of them. Lots of fish in Sierra, but lots of rocks to crawl everywhere there (I want to make it to Coyote Lake in September this year because it is full of trout, but hard to get there).

 

i need to get mines. soon will be stripper season. we need a pole dancing emoji

 

I wish I knew good spots like that. but its really not my thing. i like to fish from my boat or bank and sit with my ass in a chair.

 

And if you backpack, I know a lake in Emigrant Wilderness that they say isn't stocked but I always catch a shit ton of brook trout (along with rainbows and browns). I know the spot and time of day for the sun....

 

Sounds interesting. Send more direction info to ME in PM if you don't mind. No hurry either.

Buddy keeps trying to have me run the RUBY with him, told him we stopping for fishing, might take awhile to get out.

 

Yeah, easier to hold a 12 pack for you.

 

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.885...BqaE-FY7Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0


This Will Creek Rd turns into a great forest road, where there is a bunch of scatter primitive camp sites. Off roading is easy, and if you go high enough, you have AMAZING views of the pacific. With all the stupid tourists crammed in the campground below.

 

I was hesitant at first at posting some secret spots, but since Im moving out of Cali in the next couple months, Id rather some good, like minded people get to take advantage of these spots.

 

Just let me know when you are looking for a trip and what area and I will send you some Gaia routes.

 

Many Thanks Andy.

 

Andy is the man when it comes to forest routes.

 

Post away!! Lucky you moving out of this dam state. I love it here but cost of living, traffic, and gun laws suck ass.