The forest around Happy Lake Chalet teems with life
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Arnold is the gateway to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, a living museum of biodiversity. Happy Lake Chalet is just down the road from this magnificent preserve, ensuring our local forest teems with life. Here are some of things you might see around Happy Lake Chalet:
Flora
Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
Towering giants populate the North and South groves. These ancient trees are the heart of a mixed conifer forest, where you will also find pines, firs, and incense cedars.Wildflowers & understory
In spring and summer, native wildflowers and shrubs come alive with color. Look for daisies, poppies, and vibrant forest blooms along popular hiking routes, and even in Happy Lake Chalet’s own bakyard.Riparian plants
Along the Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek, riparian habitats support willows, grasses, and other moisture-loving plants.
Wildlife
Birds
The forest around Happy Lake Chalet, Blue Lake Springs’ private lakes, Calaveras Big Trees and the Stanislaus River are all great places for birdwatching. Listen for Steller’s jays, pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers, dark-eyed juncos, cedar waxwings, and California towhees.Mammals
Frequent sightings include raccoons, foxes, porcupines, chipmunks, chickarees, flying squirrels, black bears, bobcats, and coyotes. Mountain lions roam here too. Though these apex predators are rarely seen, we’ve been hearing their eerie wail around the cabin. During fuller moons, listen for the howls and barks of the coyotes.Amphibians & reptiles
Though less common, watch for salamanders in moist areas and a variety of snakes and lizards among rocky outcrops. Rattlesnake sightings are possible. It’s always a good idea to look carefully while walking, especially when stepping over logs or walking off the trail.
Seasonal experiences
Spring: Blooms and nesting birds are everywhere. See how many wildflowers you can identify. Keep your eye out for baby birds.
Summer: Keep cool with a hike under the giant trees or a dip in one of the area’s many rivers, lakes, and creeks.
Fall: The turning of the colors is as good a reason as any for a long hike around the Arnold Rim Trail or through the big trees.
Winter: Snow blankets the North Grove, creating a quiet, ethereal woodland experience. The fireplace at Happy Lake Chalet is a gathering place to tell stories of adventures at Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
Immerse yourself with these uniquely Arnold experiences
Hike the North & South Groves. Well-maintained trails offer close encounters with these giant trees. Joining a ranger-led program gives you a nice introduction to the area. Docents along the trails are well-informed and happy to answer questions.
Bring binoculars & a field guide. My family loves a good scavenger hunt. See who can spot the screeching stellar jay, elusive fox, or a salamander.
Go creek-side. Explore Beaver Creek and the Stanislaus River, where abundant water and food support corridors teeming with life. Take a dip in a cool river pool.
Guided nature walks. Guided hikes at Calaveras Big Trees State Park are fun for all ages and a must if you are traveling with children who want to be Junior Rangers. We cannot resist the interpretive center and gift store, which sells inexpensive, reusable State Park water bottles filled with cool water, locally-made jewelry, road trip bingo, and local spirits.
Whether you're trekking under towering limbs, identifying a coyotes' call at dusk, or picnicking among the wildflower blooms, a stay at Happy Lake Chalet offers unique opportunities for enjoying nature. We are always happy to share our favorite hikes and finds.
To plan a visit to Happy Lake Chalet and experience Arnold’s flora and fauna for yourself, get in touch.