Is Arnold California worth visiting?
Chances are you’ve never heard of Arnold, California. It’s a census-designated place in the Stanislaus National Forest of Calaveras County, with a population (and elevation) of around 4000. Arnold is about a 3-hour drive from San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, and 2 hours from Yosemite National Park.
Arnold has no stoplight, and few sidewalks. In fact, don’t ask why they don’t have sidewalks or you’ll get scoffed at that “sidewalks are for city people!” 😀
For you fancy car people, Arnold now has 8 car supercharging stations! They are in the parking lot of the Big Trees supermarket at
2182 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223.
I have spent quite a bit of time in Arnold and really enjoy the tiny community vibe, beautiful scenery, and lots of live music. Let me give you some info on some of the best things Arnold has to offer, so you can plan out your visit!
What to See / Do
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a 3-mile drive north from Arnold, up Highway 4. This park “stars” Giant Sequoias which are the largest trees (by volume) in the world. There is a nice Visitor Center which includes a small museum with info on the flora and fauna of the park. Also lots of cute gifts, souvenirs and books.
Right near the Visitor Center is a level 1.5 mile self-guided trail. You can pick up a leaflet with info about each numbered sight you will be seeing. Gorgeous tall trees abound! Also fallen trees you can actually climb into if you’d like to experience the inside of a tree.
There are many more, longer trails/hikes available as well as picnic, fishing, and camping areas!
![Bigtrees1 - Sojourns with Sue Big Trees State Park](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bigtrees1-768x1024.jpg)
![Big Trees State Park - Sojourns with Sue Big Trees State Park](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BigTrees-761x1024.jpg)
![Big Trees State Park - Sojourns with Sue Big Trees State Park](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bigtrees5-768x1024.jpeg)
![Big Trees State Park - Sojourns with Sue Big Trees State Park](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bigtrees4-768x1024.jpeg)
![Big Trees State Park - Sojourns with Sue Big Trees State Park](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BigTrees3-768x1024.jpeg)
A Gorgeous Sunset
Look at this sunset through the trees! No filter!!
![sunset1 - Sojourns with Sue sunset](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sunset1-1024x768.jpg)
The Sierra Nevada Logging Museum
From 1939 to 1962 there was a busy logging mill in this area and a bustling community with it. The business and lifestyle of the logging community is well represented and explained in this little museum.
While it seems to be in Arnold, this Logging Museum is technically in the community called White Pines. The White Pines residents are very proud of this fact and it is called out quite a bit! 🙂
![Sign - Sojourns with Sue White Pines sign](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sign-768x1024.jpg)
When the mill became obsolete in 1962 condo developers began sniffing around, planning to build condos around the new White Pines Lake they created by damming the San Antonio creek. The proud remaining residents of White Pines (and of the growing town of Arnold) worked together with the county government to stop the developers. Power to the people!
In 2000 a temporary museum was established, then over the next 10 years, money was raised for a permanent museum. The community again came together, volunteered time and resources to make the lovely museum that exists today! Isn’t that cool?! How often does that happen nowadays?
This museum is right at one of the entrances to the Arnold Loop Trail. It sits on the side of White Pines Lake, and you can get a pretty view of that lake from the museum’s deck. The grounds of the museum feature a replica of a logger’s cabin, a chainsaw exhibit, a train, and other logging stuff.
![LoggingIMG_9429 - Sojourns with Sue Chain saw exhibit](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LoggingIMG_9429-1024x768.jpeg)
![LoggingIMG_9487 - Sojourns with Sue Loggers cabin](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LoggingIMG_9487-1024x768.jpg)
![LoggingIMG_9490 - Sojourns with Sue Automatic tree trimmer](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LoggingIMG_9490-768x1024.jpg)
The inside of the Museum has quirky diorama exhibits, plus lots of photos, information, and a small gift shop. There is also a very friendly, dedicated staff!
![LoggingIMG_9496-1 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LoggingIMG_9496-1-1024x768.jpg)
![LoggingIMG_9497 - Sojourns with Sue Logging museum diorama](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LoggingIMG_9497-1024x768.jpg)
![White Pines Lake - Sojourns with Sue White Pines Lake](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/White-Pines-Lake-1024x768.jpg)
Arnold Rim Trail
This beautiful trail system is nearly 35 miles long, but there are many trail heads in Arnold to enter and enjoy the stunning trees, nature and precious quiet!
![RimTrailIMG_9504 - Sojourns with Sue Arnold Rim Trail](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RimTrailIMG_9504-768x1024.jpg)
![RimTrailIMG_9507 - Sojourns with Sue Arnold Rim Trail](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RimTrailIMG_9507-768x1024.jpg)
Hinterhaus Distilling Spirit Tasting
Hinterhaus is a highly acclaimed, family-owned and operated distillery. Onsite they distill whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and gin; as well as unique spirits like schnapps. They offer a menu of various combinations of tastings, or you can get a full-sized cocktail. They have a limit of serving only 1.5oz of spirits per person per day, so you need to choose either a tasting flight or cocktail.
They also offer alcohol-free “spirits”. The one we tried was delicious, Dromme Calm.
Very fun atmosphere and great drinks!
![HinterhausIMG_9513 - Sojourns with Sue Hinterhaus Distillery](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HinterhausIMG_9513-1024x768.jpg)
![HinterhausIMG_9515 - Sojourns with Sue Hinterhaus Distillery](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HinterhausIMG_9515-1024x768.jpg)
![HinterhausIMG_9514 - Sojourns with Sue Hinterhaus Distillery](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HinterhausIMG_9514-1024x768.jpg)
![HinterhausIMG_9518 - Sojourns with Sue Hinterhaus Distillery](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HinterhausIMG_9518-1024x768.jpg)
![HinterhausIMG_9516 - Sojourns with Sue Hinterhaus Distillery](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HinterhausIMG_9516-1024x768.jpg)
Charming Shops
Arnold has several fun shops to visit. I look forward to stopping in these shops each time because they always have something different than the usual stuff I see at home. All 3 of these are located right behind the Bistro Restaurant, and near the Black Bear Inn.
Fine Things
Gifts, cards, women’s clothing, candles, home decor and more!
![FineThingsIMG_9463 - Sojourns with Sue Fine Things Shop](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FineThingsIMG_9463-768x1024.jpg)
![FineThingsIMG_9468 - Sojourns with Sue Fine Things Shop](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FineThingsIMG_9468-768x1024.jpg)
![FineThingsIMG_9464 - Sojourns with Sue Fine Things Shop](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FineThingsIMG_9464-768x1024.jpg)
![FineThingsIMG_9465 - Sojourns with Sue Fine Things Shop](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FineThingsIMG_9465-768x1024.jpg)
![FineThingsIMG_9467 - Sojourns with Sue Fine Things Shop](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FineThingsIMG_9467-1024x768.jpg)
Timber Home Store
Gifts, housewares, toys, candles, books, bath&body stuff. Overall fun vibe!
![TimberHomeStore - Sojourns with Sue Timber Home Store](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TimberHomeStore-196x300.jpg)
Peddlers Market Antiques
I am not usually a huge antique fan. I really don’t like that musty smell antique stores often have, but this store doesn’t have that smell! It does have interesting, pretty pieces that are amazingly reasonably priced!
![AntiquesIMG_9473 - Sojourns with Sue Antique store](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AntiquesIMG_9473-1024x768.jpg)
![AntiquesIMG_9474 - Sojourns with Sue Antique store](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AntiquesIMG_9474-1024x768.jpg)
Where to Eat
Kalamata – Dinner
Wonderful new Medetarrainian restaurant in Arnold! The lamb chops were to die for!
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3361-1024x768.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3366-1024x768.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3363-768x1024.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3362-768x1024.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3367-768x1024.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3370-768x1024.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3371-768x1024.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3372-768x1024.avif)
![Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California - Sojourns with Sue Kalamata Restaurant Arnold California](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3373-1024x768.avif)
Bistro Espresso and Cafe – Coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner
The Bistro serves breakfast and also burgers/sandwiches/salads later in the day. They have indoor and outdoor deck seating. During the summer they have free live music in a field with a stage next to the restaurant. They’ll usually have a big bar b q going during the shows. Lots of fun, and good food!
![BistroIMG_9449 - Sojourns with Sue Bistro Cafe](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BistroIMG_9449-1024x768.jpg)
![BistroIMG_9451 - Sojourns with Sue Bistro Cafe](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BistroIMG_9451-1024x768.jpg)
![BistroIMG_9456 - Sojourns with Sue Bistro Cafe](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BistroIMG_9456-1024x768.jpg)
![BistroIMG_9455 - Sojourns with Sue Bistro Cafe](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BistroIMG_9455-768x1024.jpg)
![BistroIMG_9457 - Sojourns with Sue Bistro Cafe](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BistroIMG_9457-768x1024.jpg)
![BistroIMG_9461 - Sojourns with Sue Bistro Cafe](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BistroIMG_9461-768x1024.jpg)
Sequoia Woods Country Club – Dinner and Drinks
The Restaurant at Sequoia Woods Country Club is open to the public if you’re looking for an upscale place for dinner. They also have a bar/ lounge which serves food, and sometimes live music on their screened in outdoor deck!
![Sequoia Woods Country Club - Sojourns with Sue Sequoia Woods Country Club](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3334-scaled.avif)
![Sequoia Woods Country Club - Sojourns with Sue Sequoia Woods Country Club](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3337-1024x768.avif)
![Sequoia Woods Country Club - Sojourns with Sue Sequoia Woods Country Club](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3335-1024x768.avif)
![Sequoia Woods Country Club - Sojourns with Sue Sequoia Woods Country Club](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3336-1024x768.avif)
Sierra House Pub & Eatery – Delicious sandwiches for Lunch
I was pleasantly surprised with how good my lunch was at the Sierra House! Their menu is all sandwiches and a few salads. I got the “Sierra Dip”: roast beef, jack cheese, grilled onions, and horseradish mayo on a Genova milk roll. Served with au jus but of course! Really delicious! I think the super soft,˜ fresh roll made the sandwich.
I got potato salad on the side and was also delighted with that! It had a little bit of a deviled egg flavor. I am no foodie, so when something is good enough for me to really notice it means something! (Does that even make sense?)
Sierra house serves wine and craft beer. They have a pool table and a cute stone fireplace.
This new restaurant is currently open for lunch only but be sure to check their website (linked in the title above) as they are planning to expand their hours soon. I highly recommend it!
![Sierra house3 - Sojourns with Sue Sierra house restaurant](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sierra-house3-1024x768.jpg)
![Sierra house - Sojourns with Sue Sierra house restaurant](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sierra-house-1024x768.jpg)
![Sierra4 - Sojourns with Sue Sierra house restaurant fireplace](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sierra4-1024x768.jpg)
![Sierra house2 - Sojourns with Sue lunch](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sierra-house2-1024x768.jpg)
El Vaquero – Authentic Mexican Food
This family-run restaurant has been an Arnold staple since 2010. Very casual, large portions, excellent fresh tortilla chips!
![El Vaquero restaurant - Sojourns with Sue El Vaquero restaurant](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_9431-768x1024.jpg)
![El Vaquero food - Sojourns with Sue food](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_9435-768x1024.jpg)
![El Vaquero menu - Sojourns with Sue El Vaquero menu](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_9433-768x1024.jpg)
![El Vaquero menu - Sojourns with Sue El Vaquero menu](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_9432-768x1024.jpg)
![El Vaquero - Sojourns with Sue El Vaquero restaurant](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_9430-1024x768.jpg)
Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen – Upscale Dinner
Sarafina’s is one of the “fanciest” restaurants in Arnold. It’s family-owned and operated since 2004. Open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Be sure to get a reservation, as it has been packed each time I’ve been there! Excellent Italian food!
![SarafinaIMG_9543 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SarafinaIMG_9543-1024x768.jpg)
![SarafinaIMG_9544 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SarafinaIMG_9544-1024x768.jpg)
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![SarafinaIMG_9548 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SarafinaIMG_9548-768x1024.jpg)
![SarafinaIMG_9555 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SarafinaIMG_9555-1024x768.jpg)
Where to Stay
Arnold Meadowmont Lodge
The Meadowmont Lodge is right on Highway 4. The rooms are cute and functional. If you are traveling with several people a few of the rooms have an “adjacent room” which is connected to the main room for an extra fee.
![ML - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ML-1024x768.jpg)
![ML2 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ML2-1024x768.jpg)
![ML4 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ML4-1024x768.jpg)
![ML6 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ML6-1024x768.jpg)
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![ML8 - Sojourns with Sue](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ML8-1024x768.jpg)
Black Bear Inn
The Black Bear Inn is another great option in Arnold. It’s at a higher price point than the Meadow Mont Lodge. The charming inn has only 5 rooms. All have King-size beds, jacuzzi tubs with separate showers, and gas fireplaces.
The Inn has a charming living/dining room where breakfast is served, and wine and cheese in the late afternoon. You can arrange to have dinner made for you there by their own chef.
The grounds of the Inn are lovely with a creek, lawn, and lots of trees! Apparently, they hold small weddings and parties on their grounds.
![BlackBearInnIMG_9480 - Sojourns with Sue Black Bear Inn](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BlackBearInnIMG_9480-1-768x1024.jpg)
![BlackBearInnIMG_9481 - Sojourns with Sue Black Bear Inn](https://sojournswithsue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BlackBearInnIMG_9481-768x1024.jpg)
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Vacation Home Rentals
There are many homes for rent in the Arnold area since it is a place where many people have vacation homes and do not occupy them year-round. Be sure to check Air BnB or VRBO if you’d like your own place. You may be able to find one with access to private lakes in the area like Fly-In-Lake, Lakemont Pines Lake or Blue Lake Springs!
Check out this amazing looking place:
The Answer
So, is Arnold California worth visiting? Yes! Amazingly beautiful trails and lakes, , giant sequoia trees, small mountain town relaxed vibe, and delicious food!
We did visit the Redwood National Park in California. But we sadly missed Arnold as the Gateway to Big Trees. It would be great to visit the logging museum and learn more. But we sure would not pass on the Hinterhaus Distillery after a hike in the woods. Looks like a great spot to visit – even with few sidewalks 😁
Great information and its looks so inviting! The pictures you shared are awesome! Thank you for great information ❤️
Wow! I’m in! Will check ir out ASAP! I’ve heard of this place and you make it look so inviting!