Salmon Lake Trail
Salmon Lake is a moderately-small, pleasant high-mountain lake sitting in a granitic bowl dotted with pines and firs lying on a ridge on the western rim of the Loch Leven Lakes basin. By itself, Salmon is a worthwhile destination, but the trail is easily my favorite way to hike into the trio of Loch Leven Lakes – one of the top two, most popular hiking destinations on the Tahoe National Forest. Not only can you climb most of the elevation to the Salmon Lake trailhead by vehicle instead of the arduous 1100 feet, breath-taking-hikable climb from Big Bend trailhead to the Loch Levens, but during the hike you get Salmon Lake and one unnamed, but photogenic lake added in as a bonus. The rolling elevation difference is only about 300 feet AND the trail is in much better shape. At this time. Keep it up Tahoe National Forest!
...is a worthwhile destination, but the trail is easily my favorite way to hike into the trio of Loch Leven Lakes
...after a long drive, over poorish, bumpy road...
DESCRIPTION:
2.1 miles, moderate, elevations: 6560’-6700’, 1 hour. Tread most often is smooth and pretty gentle. Two small climbs scramble around granitic outcrops.
I almost hate to give away the secret access to the overly popular Loch Leven Lakes. Almost. But the main trail from Big Bend has been worn to near death. Lovingly. Too lovingly, too popular.
Salmon Lake Trail is a pleasant, comparatively easy hike, but after a long drive, over poorish, bumpy road – especially the final two miles. These last few miles are ideal for SUVs or pick-ups, anything with some decent clearance. But I’ve driven my old sedan in to the trailhead. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I traded up to a Subaru.
The lake has been stocked with rainbow and Kamloops Junction rainbows, but is not noted for its fishing. In fact, this past year (2008) we’ve spotted dozens and dozens of catfish that swim up to you as soon as they spot you. Much like they were expecting to be fed – again?
Since the warmer waters of Salmon are suitable for catfish this also means the lake is more temperatures-suitable for swimmers. But not nearly as large as the Loch Levens and swimmers have to share with the catfish.
Option: Big Bend trailhead to Loch Leven Lakes requires a more difficult climb to the lakes basin, but most people prefer that route over the rough drive. Not me.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6560’-6700’ | Big Bend trailhead to Loch Leven Lakes requires a more difficult climb to the lakes basin, but most people prefer that route over the rough drive. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Salmon Lake Trail
Exit I-80 south at the Yuba Gap Exit #160. The exit is 25.7 miles east of Colfax and 0.7 mile west of the Highway 20 exit (or entry) to and from Nevada City. After exiting I-80 south, follow Crystal Lake Road east 0.4 mile to Lake Valley Reservoir Road. Turn right (south) and follow for 1.1 mile then turn left on Mears Meadow Road #19. Follow 4.2 miles and turn left (east) on dirt Road # 38 to tiny Huysink Lake (private). Continue by lake at 1.0 mile and persist for another 1.0 mile on the steepest, narrowest part of road. Sedans are okay if driven carefully to dodge rocks. In fact, a logging company upgraded the road, probably in 2006 or 2007.
Trailhead is located at the small sign on left. Parking is best a few feet beyond there at a wide-spot suitable for half-dozen or so vehicles.
After climbing the short scramble over the first ridge past the unnamed lake, the trail drops through a rocky stretch. At the bottom is the signed spur trail that drops a modest ¼ mile south (right) to Salmon Lake.
By continuing east beyond the spur to Salmon, the trail continues until connecting with the Loch Leven Lakes Trail just above the lowest lake of the trio. Turn right to Middle and Upper Loch Levens or the Cherry Point /Big Granite Trails’ junction.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Best)
The hike to Salmon Lake is suitable for families and there are a couple of spots in the trees on the north end of the lake that make attractive locations. If you choose to backpack into Loch Leven Lakes, this route is far easier than the Big Bend trailhead option. Lots of backpack camping spots around the Loch Levens. Too many if you are looking for solitude. But many look at this area as offering sociable camping.
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Good)
Ideal but pulling large trailers the last 2 miles is poor at best. If you drag a trailer above Huysink Lake, consider continuing to the ridge above to locate a turn-around.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
Most of the trail is ideal but at least a few hundred feet of rocky trail begs for pushing the bike. Also, long drive for rather short bike ride of single-track but the climb up dirt logging road #38 could add challenging exercise.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
The warmish lake was ideal for CF&G to plant Kamloop Junction Rainbow Trout. And I suspect catfish, but I haven’t inquired yet.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)
One of my favorites, especially by continuing to the trio of Loch Leven Lakes. Since those lakes are overly popular, I prefer to avoid weekends and especially prefer to go early and late in the seasons. Fall colors of the underbrush and a few (too few for pictures) aspen is inspiring. Fall is my favorite season to do this hike.
