08/25/08

LAKE PADDLING

There is a certain "design commonality" to lakes in the Eastern Sierra of California.  Those that are accessible by car tend to have a beautiful side, and perhaps what is best called a "desert" side.  Generally speaking, the West and/or/South side of the lake will be forested, or feature wonderful granite outcroppings or islets.  Conversely, the East and/or North sides tend to be more desolate, and more desert-like in look and features.  Therefore each lake contains multiple padding opportunities, depending on one's mood.

Lakes featured are:

• Caples Lake - Wonderful lake in magnificent scenery.  Located about 25 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, near the Carson Pass.  Right off Hwy 88.
• Silver Lake - This Silver Lake is located just down the highway, to the west of Caples Lake.  Lower elevation is great if Caples is just too cold!
• Twin Lakes (near Bridgeport, CA)- There are a lot of lakes in the Sierra named "Twin Lakes", many are located somewhat close to each other.  This listing features Upper Twin Lake, located to the southwest of Bridgeport.
• Diaz Lake - Located in Lone Pine, just off US Hwy 395, in the shadow of Mt Whitney.  Unlike a lot of California lakes, this one is actually a natural lake, formed by the largest earthquake recorded in California history.
• Lake Tahoe - Perhaps the world's most beautiful large alpine lake.  Water so clear you almost think you are in the Caribbean when you look down.  Look up and the snow topped mountains remind you this is not the Bahamas!
• Fallen Leaf - Located in South Lake Tahoe - under construction
• Lake Kirkwood - Very small but pretty lake and campground, off Hwy 88, close to the Kirkwood Ski Resort.
• Mammoth Area Lakes - Several lakes featured in these pages, including yet another Twin Lakes.  Lakes Mary, Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake.
• Convict Lake - Just south of Mammoth Lakes on US Hwy 395.  Much prettier than the name implies, abuts the John Muir Wilderness.  Campground, while not alongside the lake, is at least close by.
• June Lake Loop - About 9 miles north of Mammoth, and a couple of miles off US HWY 395.  Home of another Silver Lake, which is one of our favorite paddling lakes in the state.  Features June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake.
• Lake Sabrina - A very pretty lake, set in a glacier bowl, and a very easy drive from Bishop.  Sabrina as in "Sabreena", not "Sabriina".  From HWY 395, this is the prettiest lake with an easy mountain drive - there are some lake even prettier, but not with access as easy as this!!!
• South Lake - This lake is located a few short miles from Lake Sabrina, part of the Bishop Creek Recreational Area.  Another favorite.
• Redinger Lake - Lake is located in the foothills of the Western Sierra, about an hour drive from Fresno.
• Klondike Lake (Big Pine) - Located just north of Big Pine, and right off Hwy 395. 
• Rock Creek Lake - Nine miles west of Hwy 395 and Tom's Place (which in turn is just south of Lake Crowley.  Small, but beautiful area.
• Owens River - Photos of the Owens River and potential put-ins and take-outs around Bishop.  This section is under development as we research the "kayak-ability" of the Owens.
• Virginia Lakes - A series of several smaller lakes grouped together.  In the Sierra off Hwy 395, more or less between Bridgeport and Mono Lake.
• Lundy Lake - Located just a few miles to the west of Hwy 395, just off the north end of Mono Lake.
• Tioga Pass Lakes - Several lakes are located a short distance from the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite.  Here we feature Saddlebag, Ellery, Tioga, and Tenaya Lakes.
• Lake Natoma - Sacramento's own kayaking lake.  Perhaps the busiest of all kayaking lakes, unique in that it is in the middle of an urban area.
• Folsom Lake - These photos were taken when the lake was REALLY low.
• Lake Clementine - Narrow, with trees down to the waters edge.  Great lake to paddle.  Top end of the lake features some of the rapids that river outfitters love for their clients.
• Jenkinson Lake/Sly Park - Mellow lake.  Lower end has power boats going fast.  Upper lake has lower speed limits making it pleasant for kayaking.  And....a "phony" waterfall that is actually damn attractive!  This lake is off US Hwy 50, roughly 60 miles east of Sacramento.  That said, Tahoe is only another hour away :)
• North Lake - Near Lake Sabrina in the Bishop Creek area.  Small but pretty lake, not really big enough to kayak, and put-in is awkward if you do launch here.  Photos include just in case you are curious about that "other" lake near Sabrina and South Lake.
• Sotcher Lake - Just west of the Mammoth Lakes area, right next to Red Meadows.  Accessed through Mammoth, summer only.  Right by the Devils Postpile National Monument.
  

This site is continually being updated, please check back monthly for updates and new lake listings!

Home | The "Fleet" | Lakes & Owens River | Bays & Ocean | Paddling Links | E.Sierra Kayak Club | Kayak Store | Odd Bits

This site was last updated 08/25/08