Contents and photos copyright 2003-2009 K Franson, J Franson, Westernpaddling.com, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.
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Horseshoe Lake
Not-as-Good Points: Read up before paddling due to CO2 gases. During the 2006-7 ski season, several ski patrollers died in this generally area breathing the fumes while they were outside. Worth driving to for a visit, since it is only a few minutes beyond Lake Mary adn Lake Mamie.
The beauty around Mammoth Lakes was created by volcanoes and glaciers. Horseshoe Lake is not exactly pretty, but the geology is fascinating. It is also sitting atop an active area of volcanic activity - no blow ups yet, but very high concentrations of gases that are not healthy for either man or plant. Areas of the lake have this activity, and are stand out as a dead moonscape. Colleges love to bring students here for geology field trips. Stanford was visiting the day I was there. You can car top launch here, but with other, better lakes so close, I am leery to paddle this one. Check out the signage over the restrooms, etc! About 3/4 of the shoreline is densely forested, the other 1/4 contains scores of dead or dying trees. This is nature rather than man at work.
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Photos below show lake level on 22 July 2007. Given the fact that kayaking the lake might not be a great idea, the lower water level combined with prettier lakes nearby, make this one worth passing on.
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