A small part of Pando

Park · Utah

Fishlake National Forest

A small part of Pando

On this page

Overview

Fishlake National Forest is an idyllic green area of hills and valleys in central Utah.

2 sights

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Fishlake National Forest

Fish Lake

The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. There are plenty of surrounding campgrounds, stores and resorts.

Pando

The world's largest tree, and possibly the world's largest organism. Pando (Latin for "I spread") is an aspen clonal colony, meaning that although it looks like a forest of some 47,000 trees, all those trunks are connect…

Plan your trip

Getting there

    Drive. The nearest towns of note include Koosharem, Loa, Richfield and Torrey.

    Full “Get in” guide ↓

    Budget & where to stay

    No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

    Sample 1-day itinerary

    Day 1

    • Morning Fish Lake
    • Afternoon Pando

    Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

    Food for you

    What to ask about, for your diet

      Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

      Photos

      A small part of PandoFishlake National Forest

      Understand

      Twin Creek Visitor Center near Fish Lake has helpful staff.

      Landscape

      Green meadows, aspen groves, and gentle streams make the landscape a stark contrast from the more famous rocky desert landscapes in Utah.

      Flora and fauna

      Elk, deer, black bears, cougars, turkeys, and mountain goats – as well as grazing cattle. Plant life includes big aspen groves, one of which is the world's largest tree, Pando.

      Visitor information

      Get in

      Drive. The nearest towns of note include Koosharem, Loa, Richfield and Torrey.

      See

      See Fish Lake

      The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. There are plenty of surrounding campgrounds, stores and resorts.

      Checked Jul 2025
      Maps

      See Pando

      The world's largest tree, and possibly the world's largest organism. Pando (Latin for "I spread") is an aspen clonal colony, meaning that although it looks like a forest of some 47,000 trees, all those trunks are connected underground in one massive organism. Utah Route 25 goes straight through Pando, which is just southwest of Fish Lake; you'll recognize it by the aspens growing all around the road and the sign that says "Welcome to Pando". A pullout by the side of the road allows you to stop and walk the Pando Trail through the forest (parts of Pando are fenced off to prevent grazing animals from eating new saplings, but there are gates you can walk through). Please respect Pando and don't climb or carve on any of the trunks, as carvings can spread disease and hurt the tree.

      Checked Jul 2025
      Maps

      Do

      Scenic drives, hiking trails, mountain biking, snowmobiling, elk hunting, and reservoirs for boating.

      Sleep

      Lodging

      Cabins can be rented, and there are lodges and resorts near Fish Lake.

      Camping

      Several campgrounds are available, reservations recommended.

      Backcountry

      "Dispersed" camping is possible in some areas.

      Stay safe

      Watch the road when driving – cows frequently cross it.

      Go next

      My experience

      Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.