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  ABOUT THE COUNTY

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History - The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) built a series of hydroelectric power plants along with a network of beautiful mountain reservoirs hosting recreational facilities in the Crystal Basin. Covering 85,000 acres of evergreen forests and dotted with lakes, reservoirs and streams, the Crystal Basin Recreation Area offers a myriad of outdoor adventure opportunties.

Loon Lake from Bunker Hill

Camping - Over 700 developed campsites, with fire ring and grate, table, and parking. Piped water and toilets at most campgrounds. USFS cabins available. More...

Boating - Free boat ramp access at all lakes. Paved boat ramps at Ice House Reservoir , Union Valley Reservoir , and Loon Lake . More...

Horseback Riding - Group and individual equestrian campgrounds at Loon Lake and Wrights Lake. Access to scenic riding trails. More...

Hiking - 117+ miles of trails across the Sierra Nevada. Many easy to moderate day hikes. More...

Wheelchair Access - Many of the developed areas accessible for people with disabilities. Fishing pier at Gerle Creek, several parking areas, and paved boat ramps accommodate wheelchairs.

Snow Skiing - Cross-country on miles of exquisite, pristine ski trails near Loon Lake . More...

Biking - 4.5 mile paved bike trail meanders through beautiful timber stands of old grove sugar and ponderosa pine trees and offers great views of the Union Valley Reservoir . More...

USFS Information Station

Information Station - History of Crystal Basin, once the home of the Miwok, Washo and Maidu people, and SMUD's Upper American River Project. On Ice House Road.