Fishlake National Forest is an idyllic green area of hills and valleys in central Utah.
Understand
[edit]1 Twin Creek Visitor Center near Fish Lake has helpful staff.
History
[edit]Landscape
[edit]Green meadows, aspen groves, and gentle streams make the landscape a stark contrast from the more famous rocky desert landscapes in Utah.
Flora and fauna
[edit]Elk, deer, black bears, cougars, turkeys, and mountain goats – as well as grazing cattle. Plant life includes big aspen groves, one of which is the world's largest tree, Pando.
Climate
[edit]Get in
[edit]Drive. The nearest towns of note include Koosharem, Loa, Richfield and Torrey.
Fees and permits
[edit]See
[edit]- 1 Fish Lake. The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. There are plenty of surrounding campgrounds, stores and resorts.
- 2 Pando. The world's largest tree, and possibly the world's largest organism. Pando (Latin for "I spread") is an aspen clonal colony, meaning that although it looks like a forest of some 47,000 trees, all those trunks are connected underground in one massive organism. Utah Route 25 goes straight through Pando, which is just southwest of Fish Lake; you'll recognize it by the aspens growing all around the road and the sign that says "Welcome to Pando". A pullout by the side of the road allows you to stop and walk the Pando Trail through the forest (parts of Pando are fenced off to prevent grazing animals from eating new saplings, but there are gates you can walk through). Please respect Pando and don't climb or carve on any of the trunks, as carvings can spread disease and hurt the tree.
Do
[edit]Scenic drives, hiking trails, mountain biking, snowmobiling, elk hunting, and reservoirs for boating.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]Cabins can be rented, and there are lodges and resorts near Fish Lake.
Camping
[edit]Several campgrounds are available, reservations recommended.
Backcountry
[edit]"Dispersed" camping is possible in some areas.
Connect
[edit]Cell reception is poor, so download maps in advance or bring paper maps.
Stay safe
[edit]Watch the road when driving – cows frequently cross it.