Nichole Paine
Jul 11, 2026
2025 Ford Bronco
Open
NormalDusty
We entered Forestdale Road via Red Lakes (just left of the Red Lake Wildlife area signage), and, at first, this appears a modest forest road. However, it quickly ups the ante, with off camber cliffsides, some rocky obstacle management, steep climbs. High clearance is not a suggestion. The trail lets out above Upper Blue Lakes near the campground.
Jonathan Reyes
Jul 03, 2026
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Open
DustyRough/Deteriorated
This was my first Norcal trail. (Moved here from socal). I did the trail solo with my gf. I’m looking for more offroad buddies add me on ig @elcaminocarcrash. okay so this trail was pretty rutted out, and i was VERY nervous doing this alone, but I got through the whole thing. I drive a tacoma on a 2.5in lift on 33’s. I was on 4lo the majority of the time, even locked the rear diff. Alot of spots I could have high centered or bottomed out, gf had to spot sometimes. I avoided some nasty ruts by going around em, but risked tipping over. I WAS SCARED AND NEXT TIME I WOULD GO WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE!
Alex L
Jun 28, 2026
Open
NormalDusty
Went from 88 to the lakes. 2016 wk2 w/ 2.5” OME lift, front to back skid plates and rock sliders. Up to forestdale creek bridge it’s about a 1-2 and then there is a large turn off, once past this the trail turns up to the 4-5 rating, needed 4low for the majority of the trail till just past the summit and then it gets easier again till the last 1/2 mile at the lakes where it gets pretty rutted and I would have needed 4low going up. Hit the skid plates and rock rails a few times. The way up to the summit heading south is very rocky and rutted, not recommended without plates and rails. Very fun, great views.
Justin T
Jun 27, 2026
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Good trail, slow travel. Most of it was in 4lo around 1-2mph due to the rocky terrain. Views are worth it.
Tom V.
Jun 23, 2026
2023 Ford Bronco
Open
Normal
Snow has melted off the road at the top of the pass. Clear through to Upper Blue Lake from Hwy 88 (Red Lake)
Nick Diesel
Jun 14, 2026
2024 Ford Raptor
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Started from the 88 side by red lake, made it all the way to the top lakes of Lost lakes, not sure if it’s open on the blue lakes side but still a lot of fun. Had to move one tree out of the way on the way up and right at the summit of forest dale divide there was a couple hundred long of snow that cars on smaller tires had to winch up, we were able to air our tires down to 15 psi and get though the snow on 37’s.
Jeffrey
Jun 07, 2026
2024 Ford Bronco
Temporarily Closed
Seasonal Closure
Gate closed at Lower Blue Lake
SGT. O.F.P.
May 30, 2026
1990 Jeep Cherokee
Open
Normal
Started of a little muddy but once you get to the climb it dryed up. Past the climb in the opening there was snow that was kinda deep. Couldn't make it all the way up
Michael Manning
Aug 22, 2025
Open
Normal
70 percent of this trail is easy, 20 percent is moderate, and 10 percent is moderately difficult. The rocky ledge section will pucker you up and concern your passengers, especially if you're not very experienced. That said, there's very little real danger, just a chance to practice your bare rocks ledge driving. I would say that one ledge section rates a 5. Only takes about 90 minutes to complete.
Cameron O’Briant
Aug 09, 2025
Open
NormalDustyRough/Deteriorated
A lot more technical than I imagined. My 4Runner on 3” lift and 35s did awesome. I wouldn’t attempt going further up then down without 3” and at least a 33” tire. Gate at bottom to upper blue lake is OPEN. Secret lake was empty except for a cab over and a stock Subaru heading up but the subie did turn back.
Brian Snider
Aug 03, 2025
Open
Normal
Great trail with amazing views.
Chris paras
Jul 26, 2025
2025 Jeep Gladiator
Open
NormalRough/Deteriorated
Only one section of the trail was note worthy. Towards to top the road washed away a bit and you’ll have to straddle the underlying rocks. Not too bad just take your time.
Steven Hartman
Jul 19, 2025
Open
Normal
PG&E has closed the south section of the trail at the lakes, with locked gates. You must now run it as an out-and-back from Hwy 88. Aside from that, beautiful as always. Should be accessible to any stock 4x4. There are some ruts, steps, holes, gullies, and off-camber sections. That said, they're not too severe and I stand by my numeric rating of "3" for the trail. I personally wouldn't really recommend it to any AWD crossover vehicles, but did spot one daring Subaru on the trail.
Dave G
Jul 11, 2025
Open
Normal
The gates at upper blue lake are locked so you must run it as an out and back and budget enough time for the return leg.
Rob 916
Jul 11, 2025
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
GATE AT BLUE LAKES LOCKED. The road has a section that is getting washed out and will likely be impassable in the next couple of years without considerable engineering work. The trail is easier heading north, but south isn't too bad. 22 Tacoma, TRD lift, skinny 33's.
