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| Home > California > Foresthill |
Foresthill OHV
Friday, April 12, 2024
| Other Names | Forest Hill, Sugar Pine, Parker Flat, Big Reservoir, Morning Light Campground, Tahoe National Forest, China Wall OHV Area |
| Last Known Status | Variable Schedule (Depends on daily conditions. Call (530) 367-2224 x 228 for recorded message.) |
This off-road area offers plenty of shade, multiple staging areas, narrow winding trails and a nearby lake. The 100 miles of marked and rated trails are a bit rocky at the start, but get smoother as you go.
The trails have multiple creek crossings and the reddish color of the dirt goes great with the deep forest pines. Be sure to heed the trails stop signs when crossing paved roads because the corners are blind and the weekend traffic can be fairly steady.
There are some free primitive campsites along the stream, and some pay campsites at the campground near the lake, which fills up quickly on holidays. Make reservations if you want to be on the lake.
During very dry periods a deep layer of silt tends to build up on the trails making them extremely dusty. China Wall OHV Area is also just up the road.
(A Forest Service approved spark arrestor is required here.)
***ANNOUNCEMENTS***
Trail Hotline
The Foresthill OHV Area open/closure status is determined based on soil moisture, therefore the status will change throughout the year (day to day) depending on weather conditions. For current updates check the hotline with a recorded message at (530) 367-2224 x228.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| Dates Open | Call first for current conditions - status is determined based on soil moisture. Call (530) 367-2224 x228 for recorded message. | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (50 inches) | has entrance gate and narrow terrain |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required (maximum width 50 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required (maximum width 50 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Unknown | Not Recommended |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | vehicles must stay on trail |
| Alcohol | No Restriction | |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic | Dedicated Rangers/Officers Armed OfficersJeep/SUV Patrol |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 96,000 acres (150 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 100 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 3500 to 6000 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack | Some | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud |  Little | |
| Dust |  Mostly | |
| Rocks | Some | trails are rockiest near the staging area, but gets smoother |
| Trees |  All | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings |  Many | |
| Small Jumps | Many | |
| Large Jumps | Few | |
| Berms | Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | Few | Loop 4 |
| Single Track | Few | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Intersections | Many | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | busy on holidays |
| Shade | All | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | Few | |
| Hazards | Many | (hazards not marked) many road crossings |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little | |
| Comment | most trails marked, rated and looped | |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (S) | Foresthill Valero (530) 367-2607 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (S) | Foresthill Valero (530) 367-2607 |
 Water | On Site | Morning Star Lake Campground (530) 367-2129 |
 RV Hookup | 30+ Miles (S) | Camp Chiquita Campground (866) 869-3999 or (503) 333-4673 **no large rigs** |
 RV Disposal | On Site | Morning Star Lake Campground (530) 367-2129 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | On Site | Morning Star Lake Campground General Store (530) 367-2129 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
| Comment | Morning Star Lake Campground charges a fee, other campgrounds do not. |
RATINGS
| Pros | plenty of shade, no fees, decent trails, narrow windy, nice facilities, nice lakes |
| Cons | rocky near staging area, crowded on holidays, lots of road crossings |
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | 3-5 Days spring, late fall |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Foresthill, CA | ||
| Address | Sugar Pine Road, Foresthill, CA 95631 | ||
| From: Sacramento, CA
1) I-80 East to Exit 121/Foresthill Road 2) Turn right (east) off the exit ramp onto Foresthill Road, continue 26 miles 3) Turn left (west) onto Sugar Pine Road, continue 3.5 miles 4) Sugar Pine staging area is on the left 5) For Parker Flat staging area continue .2 miles north past Sugar Pine For Morning Star Lake Campground: 6) Continue north past Parker Flat staging area 1.2 miles 7) Turn right (east) onto Big Reservoir Road, continue .5 miles 8) Campground entrance is on the right (south). *Note - To reach China Wall OHV Area continue on Foresthill Road past Sugar Pine Road 3.5 miles. Staging area will be on the left. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Tahoe National Forest - Foresthill Ranger Station 22830 Foresthill Road Foresthill, CA 95631 (530) 367-2224 mailroom_r5_tahoe@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
| Comment | Ext 228 |
| Contact Info | Morning Star Lake Campground (530) 367-2129 rnardoni@hotmail.com www.fs.usda.gov |
| Comment | reservations accepted by phone only |
Foresthill Trail Photo
There is a thin layer of velvet-like silt on some of the ATV trails that looks cool but makes it very dusty. Best time to visit is after a light rain.
Foresthill Trail Photo
This ATV trail was mostly hard packed but not dusty. All of the off-road trails form loops so it's very easy to get around.
Foresthill Trail Photo
The off-road trails can get a little dusty during dry weather. Best time to visit is during the spring and late fall months.
Foresthill Trail Photo
The ATV trails wind through a scenic mixed pine tree forest that occasionally breaks out into an open area. Other parts of the trail system are surrounded by dense vegetation.
Foresthill Trail Photo
All of the motorized trails are marked and rated for difficulty. This trail is open to dirt bikes ATVs and UTVs that are 50 inches or less in width.
Foresthill Trail Photo
The ATV trails are regularly maintained by local clubs and the Forest Service.
Foresthill Trail Photo
Most of the ATV trails have light to moderate elevation changes. This trail is an example of what you will find here.
Foresthill Trail Photo
Most of the trails look like this.
Foresthill Trail Photo
The Foresthill OHV trail system has terrain for all skill levels.
Foresthill Trail Photo
Some of the ATV trails cross over some shallow creek crossings.
Foresthill Trail Photo
The trails are maintained regularly through local clubs and the Forest Service. Don't forget to say thanks!
Foresthill Trail Photo
One of the wider off-road trails. The reddish color of the dirt is unique and makes for some great shots.
Foresthill Trail Photo
Some of the ATV trails have ruts but can easily be avoided.
Foresthill Trail Photo
Intersections where the trail crosses paved roads are marked with stop signs. Proceed with caution, especially during weekends.
Foresthill Trail Photo
The ATV trails are a bit rocky in the beginning but eventually smooth out.
Foresthill Trail Photo
One of the many dispersed campsites that can be found throughout the trail system.
Foresthill Trail Photo
Some of the motorcycle trails are a little rugged and steep. These trails can be accessed near the China Wall staging area.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS