Lakes
Convict Lake, California: Things to Do, Hiking Trail, and Travel Tips
Convict Lake is one of the most visually striking lakes in the Eastern Sierra, along with having the kind of name that immediately makes people want to know more. Some travelers discover it while driving U.S. Highway 395 near Mammoth Lakes. Others are searching for an easy scenic hike, a classic trout-fishing spot, or a …...
Wrights Lake, CA: Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Kayaking
Wrights Lake in El Dorado National Forest is one of the best alpine destinations in Northern California for hiking, camping, and kayaking. Located near Placerville at over 7,000 feet elevation, this scenic mountain lake offers easy access to Desolation Wilderness and a peaceful escape from the valley heat. Whether you’re planning a...
Underwater Towns of California: A look at towns buried in watery graves
Many of California’s lakes and reservoirs provide endless fun for visitors along with other vital resources like irrigation, hydroelectricity, and drinking water. Yet, beneath the waters of some of these lakes and reservoirs lie remnants of towns dating back to the Gold Rush era. In fact, in a handful of lakes and reservoirs, scuba...
Fallen Leaf Lake History: Name Origins, Washoe Legends, and Early Settlement
Fallen Leaf Lake history is deeper than a simple question about how the lake got its name. Tucked just south of Lake Tahoe, this Sierra lake carries layers of history that stretch from Washoe connections and oral tradition to 19th-century exploration, early settlement, resort development, and even modern scientific discoveries hidden...
Fallen Leaf Lake’s Underwater Forest: The Mystery of Its Submerged Trees
At more than 6,300 feet in elevation near the edge of Desolation Wilderness, Fallen Leaf Lake holds one of the Tahoe region’s most unusual natural mysteries: an underwater forest of ancient submerged trees. These trunks and root systems are not just a strange feature hidden beneath the surface. They have become part of a larger...
Convict Lake: A Stunning Eastern Sierra Lake with an Infamous Past
Convict Lake history is about more than a scenic Eastern Sierra landmark. The lake got its name after an 1871 prison escape, pursuit, and deadly shootout near what was then known as Monte Diablo Creek, creating one of the most memorable place-name stories in Mono County. Convict Lake History Quick Facts Location: Mono County,...
Nicasio Reservoir: A springtime destination
This reservoir covers roughly 845 acres and was created in 1961 after the Seeger Dam was built on the Nicasio Creek. Activities There are trails that loop around the reservoir for hiking and biking. Additionally, fishing is a popular pastime with stories of monster catfish. I would also suggest a nice afternoon picnic during the …...
Ralston Lake: Ralston Peak’s little wading pool
Ralston Lake sits at about 7800 feet in elevation and is located roughly 1.7 miles northwest of Upper Echo Lake. Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The …...
Tamarack Lake: A place of solitude and a mirror for Ralston Peak
Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The trailhead is located at Lower Echo Lake right near the Echo Chalet. This resort is seasonal and only open from …...
An exciting journey from Echo Lakes to Tamarack Lake and beyond
Echo Lake, also commonly referred to as Echo Lakes, is typically frozen during the winter due to its elevation of over 7,400 feet. The services located at Echo Lake are seasonal and are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These services include the popular Echo Chalet and the boat taxi. The trail from lower …...
