This 2.5 mile loop stays on the North side of the lake and does a loop by going toward the dam and then heading up the hill and takes the Dam service road all the way back to the Ranger station before returning to Pinecrest.  There are some amazing views along this route and always very empty compared to the lake trail.

Elevation Profiles of 2.5 mile short pinecrest hike

Map of 2.5 mile short Pinecrest lake hike

Click here to view on-line version of map