June Lake California
June Lake is a hidden pristine area popular for summer and fall vacations, and skiing June Mountain in the winter. The town is surrounded by four lakes and large ominous canyons along with rivers
and streams making hiking, fishing and camping popular in the warmer months. These water havens are filled with both natural
and stocked hard-fighting and trophy-sized Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat
Trout, and Brown Trout. Fly-fishing is popular on the lakes and is
a favorite along Rush Creek. Some of the other local fishing spots
include: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Grant Lake, Walker Lake,
Parker Lake, Reverse Creek, and Rush Creek
June Lake lies two
miles west from the south junction of U.S. Highway 395 with California
State Route 158. Famous is the
June Lake loop the scenic drive around the town and all the lakes. The view from the end of the lake
at "Oh! Ridge" campground is most photogenic, and the subject
of thousands of snapshots. At the other end of the lake lies the main
village and business district of the community of June Lake, California.
Often described as "quaint," downtown June Lake offers a
number of lodges, shops, restaurants and taverns. And let's not forget the ski area, naturally called
June Mountain.. It is a gorgeous mountain with terrain for all levels of skiers. June is popular all year long with winter and summer being the true destination times. You can get
lodging in June Lake at one of the many condominiums located right on the waters edge.
The lake itself is approximately one mile long and a half-mile wide,
and is served by two marinas, where you may rent a fishing boat or
launch your own. June Lake can also be ideal for sailing and sail boarding.
At the northeast end is a swimming and sunbathing beach, which is popular
in the summer months, and there are campgrounds and RV parks surrounding
the lake as well as in town.
GULL LAKE
Gull Lake is a favorite of many anglers, as it consistently yields good-sized trout.
A healthy population of crayfish and a few small Sacramento perch reside in the
lake as well. Gull Lake is the second in the chain of four mountain lakes comprising
the June Lake Loop, and the smallest in size.
The downtown community and main business district of June Lake, California
is situated primarily between June Lake and Gull Lake, with many properties
and sites offering a commanding view. The shores of Gull Lake host a boat
landing, a community park and center with playground and tennis courts and
a campground, which arguably features the best campsites anywhere in the
area. The "Fisherman Trail" extends along the west end of the lake,
between the campground entrance and the Gull Meadows walk-on boat loading
dock.
SILVER LAKE
Silver Lake is nestled deep within the heart of the Sierra
Nevada at the base of Carson Peak, just below the confluence of Reverse
Creek with Rush Creek. California Route 158 traverses along the eastern
shore, while a row of fine summer homes and cabins lies across the lake
to the west.
Silver Lake is also home to one of the Sierra's oldest fishing and vacation
resorts. The Silver Lake Resort originally was known as "Carson's
Camp," and has been famous for quality mountain recreation since the
1920's. The Rush Creek Trail head is located near the resort at the north
end of the lake, providing trail access to the Rush Creek Basin, the
Ansel
Adams Wilderness and
Yosemite
National Park. The Rush Creek Trail interconnects with the Pacific
Crest Trail system and the John
Muir Trail, and the local backcountry is fabulous. We have
Eastern Sierra maps which may help you get familiar with the layout. At the trail head,
the Frontier Pack Station is on hand to provide horses and mules, with
packages ranging from local day rides to extended pack trips into the wilderness.
GRANT LAKE
Grant Lake is by far the largest of the four lakes on
the June Lake Loop, although, as a reservoir on the Los Angeles Aqueduct
system, its level can vary widely. The 12,000-foot elevations of the
summit of MT Wood loom just above, as do the lush aspen groves of Parker
Bench and the rugged Aerie Crag on the north side of Reversed Peak. But
the lakeshore and immediate surroundings are themselves are contrastively
somewhat more barren in appearance, with the desert like sagebrush being
the predominant vegetation, and only a few trees outside of the ones
that have been planted in the campgrounds.
On the lake itself, a 10-MPH speed limit is imposed until 10:00 a.m.
each day, to accommodate the early morning fishermen. Grant Lake has long
been known as the "home of the German Brown." After 10:00, speedier
watercraft may take to the lake, and sports such as water-skiing, wake boarding
and jet skiing may be enjoyed. Most of the shoreline is accessible to the
public by unpaved roads that connect to both California Route 158 and U.S.
395. The USDA Forest Service and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
administer surrounding lands. There is an absence of private development
here, aside from the Marina and campground facilities, and there are no
power or telephone lines around Grant Lake.
When planning your vacation, consider staying an extra day in your
Mammoth rentals so you can take in a day at June Lake. Ask your concierge for information.