Dorus de Vries' penalty save from Gary Madine gave Nottingham Forest the platform to take the lead through David Vaughan on 81 minutes and set the visitors on course for a welcome three points.
But Bolton, without a goal in their first four matches of the season, levelled through substitute Stephen Dobbie, on the field for just a few minutes.
New signing Kyle Ebecillio played for 75 minutes before making way for Vaughan with the substitute earning praise from Dougie Freedman afterwards and not just for his spectacular goal.
But the manager also admitted that a draw was a 'fair result and his Forest side now sit mid-table with 5 points from their 4 games to date. The disappointing League Cup exit to Walsall does at least mean they have a midweek break in a busy schedule before hosting Cardiff City next Saturday.