State Parks and National Parks

The Sequoia National Forest is at the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada range. Its highest point is 12,432-foot Florence Peak in the Golden Trout Wilderness. The forest has five wildernesses, a scenic byway and four wild and scenic rivers. About 10,000 cows graze on forest land.

Camping, water sports, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing and horseback riding are among the forest's many recreational activities.

Anglers fish on 1,200 miles of streams and 11,500 acres of lakes. Lake Isabella, one of the largest reservoirs in southern California, attracts fishermen, boaters and campers. Whitewater rafting is popular on the Kings and North Fork Kern rivers.

About 900 miles of trails are used primarily by equestrians, hikers and off-highway vehicles. Forty-five miles of the Pacific Crest Trail traverse the forest in three locations.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.