Summit Lake
This is a pleasant diversion from the hubbub heading towards Castle Pass and the Peter Grub Hut.
...dense forest that makes snowshoes the best alternative
Summit Lake rests on a timber covered bench below the steep flanks of Castle Peak...
DESCRIPTION:
There are no marked trails and much of the track finds its way through dense forest that makes snowshoes the best alternative. The lake is a pleasant destination but lacks drama. Still this is a destination worthy of a notch on your shoes as you gain technique and orientation skills. The views are limited by the dense forest but openings help you appreciate the majesty of Castle Peak or occasional views into the Truckee valley.
| Parking Elevation: | 7200 feet | Base Elevation: | 7200 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7400 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Early December through late April. | ||
| Parking: | Skiable Area | 200 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Summit Lake
Turn off I-80 at the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Exit. Drive to the frontage road on the south side of I-80. Follow signs to the Sno-Park at the east end of the frontage road beyond Boreal Inn. Do not park in the Boreal Ridge Ski Area lot. Walk back under I-80 at the exit ramps to the north side and follow the road that climbs into Castle Valley. As an alternative that saves the walk back under I-80, some cars manage to park on the access road which does not require a Sno-Park Permit. Parking is limited along the access road, and vehicles can not block traffic or snowplowing.
See the Summit Ridge Map or the topographic maps.
Topographic maps: East Slope -Winter Recreation or U.S.G. S. Norden
ACTIVITIES:
Snowshoeing (Rating: Best)
After reaching the summit of the short climb above I-80 and as you reach the trees and go through a metal gate (that might be covered with snow), look for openings through the forest to the right (east). Work your way east on the bench above and paralleling I-80 that lays now to your right. Continue for about 1 mile and then bend to your left (north) slightly and continue up a broad ridge. Don’t turn steeply up the flanks of Castle Peak. Soon you will break onto a more open ridge. Stay to the left and don’t drop down the steep rocky descent towards Donner Lake. Instead drop gently to the northeast paralleling the snow-covered hiking trail. Summit Lake rests on a timber covered bench below the steep flanks of Castle Peak on the left and the steep drop down to Negro Canyon on the right to the east. Good, or bad, you’ll always have the traffic sounds of I-80 on your flank.
Difficulty: Difficult
Mileage: 2+ miles
Skiing - Cross-country (Rating: Good)
After reaching the summit of the short climb above I-80 and as you reach the trees and go through a metal gate (that might be covered with snow), look for openings through the forest to the right (east). Work your way east on the bench above and paralleling I-80 that lays now to your right. Continue for about 1 mile and then bend to your left (north) slightly and continue up a broad ridge. Don’t turn steeply up the flanks of Castle Peak. Soon you will break onto a more open ridge. Stay to the left and don’t drop down the steep rocky descent towards Donner Lake. Instead drop gently to the northeast paralleling the snow-covered hiking trail. Summit Lake rests on a timber covered bench below the steep flanks of Castle Peak on the left and the steep drop down to Negro Canyon on the right to the east. Good, or bad, you’ll always have the traffic sounds of I-80 on your flank.
Difficulty: More Difficult
Mileage: 2+ miles
