Description - Georgetown Ranger District encompasses the northwest region of Eldorado National Forest. Sharing a boundary line with the famed Tahoe National Forest, Georgetown features the scenic mountain areas of Ralston Ridge, Chipmunk Ridge, Nevada Point, Slate Mountains, Hornblende Mountains, and Poho Ridge. Countless streams and creeks vein through the District . Two target recreations are Stumpy Meadows Lake and Rubicon River. Pockets of research exist on the Georgetown: Leonardi Falls Botanical Area, Little and Big Crater Geological Areas, Traverse Creek Botanical Area, Rock Creek Botanical Area, and Blodgett Experimental Forest.
Attractions
- Georgetown Ranger District users are provided diverse recreational opportunities. There are seven developed family and group campgrounds. Site comforts include drinking water, handicap accessibility, boat ramps, flush toilets and RV dump station. Many of the developed campgrounds offer immediate access to ATV use, equestrian trails, fishing waters, and swimming beaches. Dispersed camping is allowed practically anywhere that camping is not specifically prohibited. Anglers enjoy Stumpy Meadows Reservoir where every other week from May through August the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Campgrounds at the reservoir are Stumpy Meadows and Black Oak Group. Another angler favorite is the Rubicon River, a designated wild trout river from Hell Hole Dam to the confluence with the American River. Rainbows and large brown trout are present. The river can be reached by vehicle using Eleven Pines Road to Ellicott Bridge. There is also vehicle access for fishing upstream from the Ralston Picnic Area and Ralston Powerhouse east of Foresthill. Another access is Buckeye Flat Trail (hike-in). Rockhounds enjoy the District for its rich deposits of vesuvianite, grossularite garnet, diopside, idocrase, psilomelane, and tremolite. Clubs are active in the region, inviting local elementary school groups to join the fun and learn about natural wonders. Trails of varying types are found throughout Georgetown Ranger District. Several popular trailheads are located near the ranger station providing vistas across the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Region. Popular trailheads include Mace Mill, Bald Mountain and Balderson. In general, off-highway vehicles can operate on any designated road or trail as long as it is dry enough to not be damaged and is not in a closed area. Most of the forest roads are out and back rides. Some areas have enough interconnected roads to make an enjoyable experience. Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrian users. Forest maps can be obtained at the Georgetown Ranger Station.
Recreation - Equestrians, hunters, anglers, botanical groups, rockhounds and people just wanting to enjoy nature venture onto the Georgetown Ranger District. Climate - A Mediterranean type climate extends over most of the Forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. This precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, it comes mostly in the form of snow. Winter temperatures below zero and summer temperatures above 100 degrees indicate the normal seasonal spread. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered", ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear. Location -
Georgetown Ranger District is located in the northwest region of Eldorado National Forest. Access roads include Route 193 and Wentworth Springs Road.
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