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Lake Alpine

lake alpine, california

Lake Alpine, located at an elevation of 7,350-feet (2,240 meters) is one of the most picturesque places to spend a summer day. The lake is formed by snow melt, so the water is very cold until well into the summer. It’s regularly planted with trout – making for some great fishing here on 180 surface acres with an average depth of about 40 feet (12 meters). Get your fishing license online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Relaxing on the rocky shore | Sandy Price

Lake Alpine Hikes

Hikers enjoy the four-mile (6.5 km) trail around the lake, much of which is wheelchair accessible or opt for a more strenuous hike to Inspiration Point, overlooking the lake and surrounding wilderness.

There’s also a hiking trail on the southeast end of Lake Alpine that’s about 2 miles (3 km) round trip. It takes you to the naturally formed Duck Lake with beautiful scenery featuring three log cabins and an aspen grove. The meadow on the west side is full of wildflowers in the late spring/early summer.

 

Kayaks on the lake | Sandi Pearce

Lake Alpine Amenities

There are four campgrounds on Lake Alpine, as well as a restaurant, bar and general store at Lake Alpine Resort, where you can check out the free interpretive programs by local forest rangers and rent canoes, kayaks and fishing boats (or bring your own). You can also rent kayaks, standup paddle boards and bicycles from nearby Bear Valley Cross Country & Adventure Company.

Enjoy fishing, picnicking, hiking, biking, camping and low-speed boating (boat launch available) for a maximum of 10 miles per hour (16 kph).  RV camping is at the beautiful west end of the lake. Some sites are able to accommodate

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