Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument

Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument Review

Covering 1,139,500 acres, the monument is tucked north of Sequoia National Park between the two sections of Kings Canyon National Park. (The national forest encompasses the monument and both parks, plus more territory.) Of the world's sequoia groves, more than half are in the part of the forest that has been further protected as a national monument. Three National Recreation Trails and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail wind through the landscape. Four streams are designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers; some of the nation's liveliest white water is found on the Forks section of the Kern. Lake Isabella (11,000 acres) is one of the area's largest reservoirs. There's cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter, 900 mi of trail for hiking, camping, and picnicking.

Hume Lake. Anglers go for 10- to 12-inch trout on Hume Lake in Sequoia National Forest, also ideal for swimming and boating. Built as a mill pond, the lake supplied water for a flume that floated rough-cut sequoia lumber to the planing mill at Sanger, 54 mi below in the San Joaquin Valley. Hume Lake Rd., 3 mi. south of Rte. 180, 93628.

Hume Lake Forest Service District Office. At the Hume Lake Forest Service District Office, pick up maps and books on the Hume Lake area. It's open weekdays 8-4:30 year-round and Sat. 8-4:30 in summer. 35860 Kings Canyon Scenic Byway [Rte. 180]. 559/338-2251.