Summertime: A Guide to Entertainment, Activities And Excursions : Discoveries : * If you’ve exhausted all of the usual tourist spots, it’s time to visit some destinations along the unbeaten path. : Pyramid Has Pulling Power

Tucked away on the northern border of the Angeles National Forest, Pyramid Lake isn’t exactly a secret, but it is a pleasant alternative for folks who want a change from Castaic Lake.

Twenty minutes farther on the Golden State Freeway, Pyramid offers boating and fishing on 1,270 acres of lake. Picnic areas and hiking trails dot the 22 miles of shoreline. There’s a small, sandy beach for swimming, although the water is chilly enough that it merits a warning sign.

Trees and bushes grow right down to the water here, and hills tower above for a secluded atmosphere. The shore is marked by inlets and crannies that allow boaters to hide from the crowds.

But perhaps the most appreciative visitors are the jet skiers who are allowed free rein. At Castaic, they are restricted to a marked portion of the upper lake.

“This is a lot better than Castaic,” said Wes Jones, 18, of Agoura, who had come up with his new jet ski. “It’s definitely big enough to ride on and have plenty of room.”

That’s fortunate, because fishermen flock here too. The state Department of Fish and Game regularly plants trout. Striped bass, large and small mouth bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie share the lake.

Entrance is first-come, first-served with 50 boaters allowed per day--the throngs line up at the gate early on weekend mornings. A word of warning: The closest place to buy boat fuel is in Gorman, so boaters should bring their own.

Admission is $4 for single vehicles, $8 for vehicles with trailers and $5 for recreational vehicles longer than 24 feet. Admission to the beach is an additional $1 for adults and 50 cents for children under 12.

Overnight campsites cost $7 for the first vehicle, and $5 for each additional vehicle. Large sites that accommodate three groups of 25 each are available by reservation.

Also, a private concessionaire operates a snack bar, a bait shop and rents motor and pontoon boats at the site.

Pyramid Lake is located off the Hungry Valley exit of the Golden State Freeway. Hours: 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Information: (805) 257-2790.