Twain Harte Family Day Trips: Pinecrest Lake

We've been fortunate to have a lovely cabin up at Twain Harte this year and as a result we've been getting to know the area.

Today was the perfect Autumn day and after a slow start including breakfast at the Little Cottage Cafe (trivia note: the owner used to manage Cafe Verona in Palo Alto) we headed over to Pinecrest Lake for a family hike. With a chill in the air there were not many beach goers but for us the path around the lake was the draw. You can park in the Pinecrest parking lot and find the path heading in either direction.

I'd describe this as a medium difficulty hike. This isn't a strenuous hike but definitely not for strollers either. The terrain can get a bit rocky and there is some climbing involved. The trail is about six miles around the lake and with an eight year old and six year old it took us two hours. If you're looking for something less strenuous start clockwise around the lake, go to the dam and then return the way you came. If you are heading all the way around, there is a nice spot to break for a snack where a stream comes into the lake (look for the bridge).

The leaves are just starting to change color and I expect this hike will only get more colorful in the coming weeks. When you're done, check out The Prospector in Twain Harte for some wood-fired pizza. Twain Hart/Pinecrest Lake are about 3 hours from the Bay Area.