|
Often the crow of a soaring bird is the only
disruption at this peaceful reservoir. Sugar
Pine Reservoir is surrounded by a dense
mixed conifer forest, which meanders down to
the water’s edge. The 3.5-miles
of shoreline provide an easy and delightful
paddle. The boat traffic during the summer
is minimal.
The reservoir is primarily used for fishing,
windsurfing and paddling. A hand launch
access is located on the south shore. A
designated swimming beach is located on the
north shore by the Giant Gap and Shirttail
campgrounds.
The reservoir’s 10mph boat speed limit
deters the number of powerboat enthusiasts,
though it is a popular summer destination
for camping. Book your reservations in
advance if you plan on camping here,
especially on a holiday weekend.
The reservoir has four recreation areas
around the reservoir. In addition to a
soul-stirring paddling experience, there are
numerous hiking and bicycling trails to
explore in the area, but be on the lookout
for bears. On my first trip to Sugar Pine
Reservoir, I mistakenly took Finning Mill
Road (off of Foresthill Road), and I almost
collided with a bear sitting in the center
of the road as I drove around a blind bend.
I don’t know who was more startled, me or
the bear. That experience certainly put
 to
rest any idea’s I had about being able to
outrun a bear. I couldn’t believe how fast
it moved! I would highly recommend using the
Sugar Pine access road, which is about 10-miles past the Foresthill Ranger Station.
Map of Sugar Pine Reservoir
|
