Pinecrest Lake Loop
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
Shoreline walks are truly unbeatable. The Pinecrest Lake offers an incredible experience, guiding adventures through mixed woodlands along the shores of the shimmering alpine lake. Marvel at the beauty of the high country and busy lake. What are you waiting for? Lace-up those hiking boots and get going!
Route Description for Pinecrest Lake Loop
Leading adventures along the undulating path over granite boulders and through lush woodlands, there is no shortage of excitement along this route. Though there is no dramatic elevation gain, this path requires some stamina as it demands the navigation of granite bluffs and boulders. Open year-round, this route is busiest in the summer months when the weather is warm. If you seek a more secluded experience, we encourage you to set out in the early morning. Note: Dogs are not permitted near the lake between May 15th and Sept 15th.
Setting out from the trailhead, the Pinecrest Lake Loop follows Lakeshore Avenue northeast past the beaches before merging onto the Pinecrest Lake Trail. Soon the path will guide you over the dam before guiding you into the woodlands alongside the shoreline cliffs. Follow this path east, reveling in the sights of the glittering alpine waters bounded by verdant trees. Eventually, the route will guide you over a footbridge—here is where many take a detour up to Cleo’s Bath. Continue along the Pinecrest Lake Trail as it redirects you southwest.
As you meander along the shore, you will likely notice dozens of adventurers enjoying the refreshing waters. Ultimately this path will guide you along another beach before delivering you back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Pinecrest Lake Loop Trailhead
The Pinecrest Lake Loop is accessed via the trailhead off Lakeshore Avenue.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Circuit
Pinecrest Lake Loop Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Herring Creek Lane and Pinecrest Lake Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Herring Creek Lane and Pinecrest Lake Loop
Stanislaus National Forest
![Trail of the Gargoyles Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Trail of the Gargoyles Hike
Stanislaus National Forest
![Pinecrest Lake and Pinecrest Peak Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pinecrest Lake and Pinecrest Peak Loop
Stanislaus National Forest
![Sugar Pine Railway Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Sugar Pine Railway Trail
Stanislaus National Forest
![Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop
Stanislaus National Forest
![Pinecrest Peak Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pinecrest Peak Trail
Stanislaus National Forest
![Waterhouse Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Waterhouse Lake Trail
Stanislaus National Forest
![Chewing Gum Lake Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Chewing Gum Lake Loop
Stanislaus National Forest
![Crabtree Trail to Bear Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Crabtree Trail to Bear Lake
Stanislaus National Forest
![Bear Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bear Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop
Stanislaus National Forest
![Herring Creek and Waterhouse Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Herring Creek and Waterhouse Lake Hike
Stanislaus National Forest
![Cleo’s Bath Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/US-CA-Stanislaus-NF-CleosBath-Hike-1709x633-1.jpg)
Cleo’s Bath Hike
Stanislaus National Forest