STONY CREEK SEQUOIA

The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. Built to support a large commercial logging operation, Hume Lake supplied water to the longest lumber flume transporting logs to the Central Valley.

Recreation: Hume Lake is a popular recreation destination where visitors can enjoy trout fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding. Visitors can hike the Jennie Lake Trail. The trailhead to the 4-mile trail is across the street in the Upper Stony Creek campground. Several creeks also run near the campground, offering additional fishing and wading opportunities.

Nearby: Day trips to Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Boyden Caverns and General Grant Grove are popular among visitors. Bearskin Grove offers the rare opportunity to photograph an entire mature sequoia in one frame. Hiking through the grove visitors will find a mix of young and old sequoias, many measuring more than 6 feet in diameter.