Where is Tahoe National Forest,Nevada City, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Tahoe National Forest is located in California, USA. It lies between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe and is situated in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. It is famous for its forests, rivers, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation like skiing and camping.

Tahoe National Forest Location Map,Nevada City, California

Top Attractions Inside Tahoe National Forest

  • Lake Tahoe Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints offering stunning vistas of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains.
  • Hiking Trails – Extensive trails through forests, meadows, and alpine landscapes.
  • Camping & Picnic Areas – Numerous spots for camping, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
  • American River – Popular for fishing, rafting, and riverside recreation.
  • Sierra Valley – Expansive valley with wildlife viewing and peaceful landscapes.
  • Snow Play Areas – Winter destinations for snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

Tahoe National Forest Facts

Official NameTahoe National Forest
LocationNevada City, Nevada County, California, USA — Northern Sierra Nevada region
Latitude & Longitude39.2610° N, 121.0161° W (Nevada City HQ area)
Total Area≈ 871,495 acres (≈ 3,527 km²)
Established / Opened1899 (as Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve); renamed Tahoe National Forest in 1905
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service (USFS)
RegionNorthern Sierra Nevada, California
Address631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
Zip Code95959
Area Code530
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptForested mountain landscapes, Sierra Nevada ecology, lakes, rivers, recreation, wilderness and conservation
Main Sections / DistrictsTruckee Ranger District, Sierraville Ranger District, American River Ranger District, Yuba River Ranger District
Famous AttractionsLake Tahoe region, Donner Pass, Sierra Buttes, Bowman Lake, Pacific Crest Trail segments, historic mining sites
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1–1.5 million (varies by season)
Entry Fee TypeMostly Free Access – Some day-use sites require fees
Ticket Price Range$5–$10 day-use fees at select recreation sites; campground fees vary (~$15–$35)
Ticket OptionsDay-use passes, campground reservations, annual forest passes (interagency passes honored)
Best Time to VisitLate Spring to Early Fall (May–October) for hiking, camping, lakes; Winter for snow sports at higher elevations
Nearby AirportReno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – approx. 60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar Access, Forest Roads, Hiking Trails, OHV Routes, Biking, Winter Snow Routes
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe/

Distances from Tahoe National Forest to Nearby Landmarks

  • Lake Tahoe – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Truckee, CA – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Northstar California Resort – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Sugar Bowl Resort – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Donner Lake – 36 km (22.4 mi)
  • Emerald Bay State Park – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Incline Village, NV – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Squaw Valley / Palisades Tahoe – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Grass Valley, CA – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • South Lake Tahoe, CA – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Truckee River – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Martis Valley – 38 km (23.6 mi)
  • Donner Pass – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Historic Downtown Truckee – 36 km (22.4 mi)
  • Lake Spaulding – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Yuba River – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Foresthill, CA – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Auburn, CA – 95 km (59 mi)
  • Prosser Creek Reservoir – 42 km (26.1 mi)
  • Cisco Grove – 50 km (31 mi)