The Blue Lakes to Red Lake trail, also known as Forestdale Road, offers stunning views of Tahoe’s National Forest and runs parallel to the Pacific Crest Trail. This 4×4 trail features a variety of terrain, including thick tree patches, steep inclines, rocky areas, washed-out ruts, river crossings, and snow-covered sections. Even in mid-August, snow was present in some areas. Expect snow if you visit in fall, winter, or early spring. The trail can be accessed from Red Lake off Highway 88 or the Upper Blue Lake Dam Campground. We started from the Upper Blue Lake Dam Campground and headed toward the Forestdale Divide.
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Forestdale Rd, Markleeville, CA 96120
Shots below by Jeffrey Bowdoin
Through the first sections of the trail, you climb straight up through thick forest, switchbacks and extremely rocky terrain. Once you make it through the forest and come out through the treeline, you will see amazing views of Tahoe’s National Forest. Heading up a bit further, you will see wide-open space of the Forestdale Divide.
Stunning Views
The Forestdale Divide is beautiful. Much of the Divide is made up of black rock, lush green vegetation, and mountain peaks all around. From the top of the Forestdale Divide, you can see parts of Deadwood Peak, Milissa Coray Peak, Elephants Back, Round Top Peak, and “The Nipple”.
Once you start to climb down the Forestdale Divide towards Red Lake, you are greeted with images that look like something from another county. The landscape is just amazing up there.
Forestdale Divide 4×4 Trail & Road
Shot below by Jeffrey Bowdoin
For the actual trail itself heading down, things do get a bit tricky. There are multiple sections of large boulders and jagged rocks buried in the ground that force you to take your time. There are also large sections where the middle of the road has been washed out.
Our 4Runner’s wheelbase was just perfect to straddle the washed out section of the road. But, again this took a spotter and was moving very slowly. If you do head out the Forestdale Divide, just be sure to bring a passenger or head out with a crew. Once you make it through the rough sections of the trail, you will come out to a couple massive humps
Heading Down the Hill Towards Red Lake
After navigating the rough sections of the trail, you’ll encounter a few large humps and small creek crossings (in August). The trail then descends to Red Lake and connects to Highway 88 at Hope Valley, which we visited last year. Hope Valley is home to one of California’s most iconic cabins, and in the fall, photographers flock to capture the stunning fall colors.
Our plan was to camp at Upper Blue Lakes, but heavy rain and hail forced us to cut the trip short. I’d love to return and explore the many lakes scattered around the area.
Puddle Smashing
Not the brightest idea in the world but it sure is fun. Just be prepared to clean your 4Runner engine once you get back to civilization. We did have a blast mashing through these puddles. When you are off-road with your buddies, you really can be a kid again. So much fun.
Get out there and enjoy it!
How do you think a Chevy Silverado stock Z71 will fair on this trail this weekend? We are not heading to Red Lake. Starting from 88 North of Lost Lakes..hitting the divide to Lost Lakes and then to Blue Lakes. All on Forestdale Rd.
I belong to an ATV (quads) group here in Amador County, CA. We’re thinking of doing that ride this summer. Would there be snow on the trail now?
How many miles is a one way trip from Red Lakes to Blue Lakes? How many hours should we plan on? Thanks for your info.
Late post, but do you think a stock sr5 4×4 can make it through this trail?
Can you do this trail stock? Yes. Will you hit a nerf bar or running board on a rock? Maybe. This is a simple trail but fresh off the lot with no lift and 31 tires are pushing it. There were a few sections that are washed out and provide a few ledges where you may pull off your rear bumper or connect on a nerf bar or running board (assuming you don’t have sliders). It’s a basic trail but use your best judgment. I wouldn’t push it if you arent prepared to hit, dent, scratch, or tear something off… being 100% stock.
Thank you! I’ll add it to the short list for summer. Best. Ofer Morag
Hi! Do you think driving through this area in early February will be possible? Thank you!
Probably not, I would bet these roads are covered well into late Feb. You will find snowmobiles trekking around out here but that’s about it.
This is some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen!!!!! Can’t wait to get back up there!!!!! The El Dorado National Forest is so pretty.