Summit Ranger Station, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Ranger Programs - Stanislaus National Forest

Tuolumne County, California

Mileage to Pinecrest Lake

  • Sonora - 30 miles
  • Stockton - 90 miles
  • Sacramento - 134 miles
  • Modesto - 77 miles
  • San Jose - 152 miles
  • San Francisco - 160 miles

Summer Ranger Programs

A full schedule of ranger programs is back for 2023. Pick up a complete program guide at the Summit Ranger Station at the Y near Pinecrest Lake.


For the 2023 season many of your favorite programs will be back, including Woodsy Owl, Silly Songs and Tall Tales, Star Gazing, Nature Walks, and Junior Rangers.

A majority of programs are held at the Pinecrest Amphitheater, but some are farther afield. Pick up directions and a map at the ranger station.

Winter 2023 Activities

Summit Ranger Station is offering a great schedule of winter activities including a Junior Snow Ranger Club, Winter Campfire Programs, and Snowshoeing with a Ranger. See a complete list of upcoming activities: Stanislaus National Forest News & Events




What's Coming in the Summer of 2023


Roadside Geology of Sonora Pass - June 10, 2023

Gather at Columns of the Giants on Highway 108 about 1.5 miles east of Dardanelle Resort. Join Glen White on a driving tour as you explore the geologic changes in the region over the past 100 million years.

Appropriate for all ages, no fee. Registeration required: Stanislaus National Forest Events.
Contact Summit Ranger Station: 209-965-3434

Make Your Own Walking Stick - June 22, 2023

Join art teacher Molly Rose the at Pinecrest Amphitheater from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM to make your own walking stick. Sticks, paint and decorations provided. Good for all ages. No fee or registration.

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.



Bird Walk on the Westside Trail - June 24, 2023

Join Ranger Asley looking for birds along the Westside Trail (Tuolumne City), a flat trail on an old RR grade. This is a great place to spot hawks, and songbirds foraging in the forest. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. We will have identification guides. Begins at 9 AM.

Wear a hat, bring water, and a snack. No dogs. The closest bathroom is the Riverside Day Use area. Registration required at Stanislaus National Forest Events. Find more information about location of Westside Trail on the registration site.

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.

Star Gazing - July 7 and August 12, 2023

Tour the heavens from a star-studded location with local astronomers. Meet at Bald Mountain Helitack Base, east of Long Barn, on Hwy 108. 9 PM to 10 PM.

Bring chair or blanket. No smoking, glass containers, or dogs. All Ages. To confirm that the program has no been postponed due to fire activity or weather, contact Summit Ranger Station: 209-965-3434

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.

Wildflower Walk at St. Mary's Pass - August 9, 2023

Walk with Tom Hofstra from Columbia College around the St. Mary's Pass trailhead up near Sonora Pass. Look for and identify wildlflowers. Meet at Summit Ranger Station at 9:00 AM and caravan up the pass, about 1 hour drive.

Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, layered clothing. Bring a lunch and water. For all ages, free, must register at Stanislaus National Forest Events.

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association. 209-965-3434

Pinecrest Lake Watercolor Postcards - August 12, 2023

Join Art Teacher Kelli O'Brien at the Pinecrest Lake Fishing Pier to paint your own version of Pinecrest Lake. You can mail it as a postcard or take it home as a souvenir! 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Good for all ages, free, no registration needed.

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.

Tree ID with the Ranger - August 19, 2023

Learn to identify trees in the Stanislaus National Forest. Meet at Pinecrest Community Hall, #2 Pinecrest School Road, Pinecrest. Look at samples and then head to the Shadow of the Mi-wok Trail to identify trees near Meadowview Campground. Bring water, a hat, and wear sturdy walking shoes. 10 AM to 12 PM. Registration required at Stanislaus National Forest Events.

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.

Complete Stanislaus National Forest Program Guide for 2023:
2023 Program Guide




Tuesday Programs

Tuesdays June 27, July 4, 11, 18, 25, and August 1
Pinecrest Amphitheater, Pinecrest Lake
10 AM to 11 AM
Tall Tales and Silly Songs - Storyteller Cynthia Restivo and team will lead us through a variety of fun and interactive songs and stories about nature. All Ages. Suggested donation $5 per person, no registration needed.

11 AM to 12 PM
Nature Crafts - Join us to make a beautiful art project inspired by nature and learn more about the Stanislaus National Forest. All Ages. Suggested donation $5 per person, no registration needed.

Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.

Junior Ranger Programs

Wednesdays June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, and August 2
Fishing Pier, Pinecrest Lake
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Kids, become a Junior Ranger! Learn about the Stanislaus National Forest and how to care for it. You will be sworn in as a Junior Ranger at the end of the program. All Ages, free, suggested donation $5, no registration needed.

For more information, contact Summit Ranger Station: 209-965-3434


Campfire Programs

June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, and August 1
Pinecrest Amphitheater, Pinecrest Lake
7 PM to 8 PM
Bring the whole family to join Rangers for a traditional campfire program! Sit around the campfire to sing songs, learn about the forest, and enjoy stories about the Stanislaus National Forest.
On Wednesday, July 5 the Me-Wuk Singers and Dancers will be performing traditional songs and dance!

Free, no registration needed.
Sponsored by 3 Forests Interpretive Association.