Elevations within the forest vary from about 1500 feet in the foothills to over 9000 feet at the Sierra Crest. The forest is located northeast of Sacramento in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains and extends from Lake Tahoe to north of the prominent Sierra Buttes. Several highways, including Interstate Highway 80, State Highways 20, 49, 89, and 267 and forest roads, provide access to most portions of the Forest. Many of the scenic roads are worth a trip in themselves.

In addition to the paved roadways for road bikes, there are miles of old logging roads and other trails that are ideal for mountain biking.

As you'd expect, hiking in the forest is hard to beat. The forest's one wilderness - Granite Chief - is smack dab next to the renowned Desolation Wilderness. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses both on one of its most magnificent stretches.

Contrary to its name, Lake Tahoe is not actually in Tahoe National Forest, though it is in hollering distance. The North Fork American River is one famous waterbody that is in the forest. This river was designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1978. The diversity of the unique river canyon can be seen in its deep, vertical walled gorges and high bluffs; in its placid pools and cascading rapids; and through its mixture of conifer and hardwood forests. The river has it all - good fishing in uncrowded conditions, backpacking, swimming, photography, gold panning, and more.

Anglers frequent the many rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs of the forest. They're after rainbow, German brown, and eastern brook trout. Mackinaw, kokanee salmon, and kamloop trout

The Forest maintains many public campgrounds. Nearly all have fireplaces, tables, water, and toilets. Swimming beaches, boat launches, riding stables, and other commercial services are accessible from a number of campgrounds.

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