Hikers heading for the hills surrounding the lake will find grassland, chaparral and oak woodland environments. The best hike is South Shore Trail, sometimes called Winchell Ridge Trail, which follows the contours of Winchell Bay on its way to the Marina at Winchell Bay. The trail extends some four miles from Blue Oak Camp Picnic Area to its end a bit past the marina. Because the first half of the trail closely parallels the road (on the inland side of the road no less), most hikers will find the second half of South Shore Trail more satisfying and begin the walk at South Bay Picnic Area.
The area is 20 miles northeast of Fresno via Highway 41 and Highway 145.
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