Loon Lake South Shore Trail
Distance 6.2 miles one-way to Wilderness boundary; Difficulty moderate; Elevations 6,500’-6,740’-6,540’; No motorized vehicles; If entering the Wilderness, a permit is required.
...first four miles stays close enough to Loon Lake to provide panoramic views...
...climbs over a small saddle and then drops into Rockbound Valley.
DESCRIPTION:
This trail rolls easily over benches and into draws along the south shore of the lake. Mostly it lies several hundred feet above the shoreline but occasionally it drops down much closer. The first four miles stays close enough to Loon Lake to provide panoramic views of the rocky shore lined lake and the surrounding mountains including sweeping views to the Sierra Crest. This is a gorgeous section of the trail and can be hiked in any length to provide great day hikes. After mid-summer, the lake drawdown is very noticible.
At the western end of the lake, a spur trail drops 0.4 miles back to the shore line and the Pleasant Boat-in Campground. These primitive camping spots also makes a great overnighter that stays outside of the Wilderness.
At the spur trail intersection, the trail follows along an old jeep road and, climbs over a small saddle and then drops into Rockbound Valley. Beautiful views of Buck Island Lake, Rockbound Reservoir, Rockbound Valley and the peaks of Desolation Wilderness are visible from the trail as it drops into the Rubicon River drainage.
The trail climbs a short distance above the western side of Spider Lake and then follows along the western side of Buck Island Lake both of which lie outside of the Wilderness boundary. Dispersed campsites are available at Spider Lake but check the Eldorado National Forest for current camping restrictions due to the high use from OHV users coming in from the Rubicon OHV Trail on the north side of the lake.
The Desolation Wilderness boundary is about 6.2 miles from the trailhead and a wilderness permit is required beyond that point.
Directions Note: Georgetown and Wentworth Springs Road are the quickest way to access the Crystal Basin and the Loon Lake area from northern foothill towns like Auburn.
DIRECTIONS:
To Loon Lake South Shore Trail
Also known as the Rubicon Hiking Trail, the Loon Lake Wilderness Trailhead is located at the Loon Lake Campground on the southwest corner of the reservoir. To reach there: Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 21 miles to the paved Icehouse Road FS#3 turnoff just after crossing the large bridge across the South Fork American River. Turn left, go 28 miles to a signed fork in the road. Take right fork 5 miles to the Loon Lake Campground which lies on the right of the road just before reaching the reservoir. This is where the concrete boat ramp is located.
A recently constructed link continues the paved Wentworth Springs Road FS#1 from Georgetown further east until it ties into the Ice House Road FS#3 a short distance southwest of Loon Lake. At the T-intersection turn left (north) and follow Ice House up to a well signed Y-intersection. Veer right (east) and follow the signs to Loon Lake.
ACTIVITIES:
Mountain Biking (Rating: Best)
With a single-track plus a moderately rolling grade and sufficient tread, this trail offers a good option for mountain biking. Since it’s a long drive in to Loon Lake, this is a better opportunity for campers at the lake. Mountain bikes can not enter the Wilderness just south of Buck Island Lake.
Fishing (Rating: Best)
Boat fishing is the most popular means of fishing Loon Lake. This trail provides shoreline access to the south and east sides of the lake. The shoreline offers rather good access; some of the best fishing is in what used to be Pleasant Lake. After the reservoir was formed this high-mountain lake became a large arm on the eastern end of the reservoir. This is also the location of the Pleasant Boat-in Campground that is served by the spur trail from the main trail.
Rainbows make up the biggest component of both the CF&G stocking program and catching success. Bait such as worms or marshmallows and casting inflated worms does well, but shore casting of lures generally has not been successful.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)
This is one of the best, non-wilderness trails in these parts. It’s worth a drive just for the outing and is a must for active campers looking for some exercise and great views while staying overnight at Loon Lake. The first 4 miles follows around the south shore and make a great day hike where you can turn back anytime you want.
Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Exceptional)
There are several options to backpack for an overnighter or three. Although the Paradise Boat-in Campground on the far eastern shore was designed for boaters, a 0.4 mile spur trail from the main trail drops quickly into several rustic camping spots that are also great for backpackers. There are tables, fire rings, and a pit toilet. Check the current fire protection regulations in effect before lighting an open fire. The lake is drawn down drastically by late summer and the mucky shoreline then lies well below the camping spots.
The trail passes above the west side of Spider Lake and users’ trails drop down to the shoreline. The lake can be seen from the main trail. This is a delightful camping and fishing location, but camping around the lake was placed under a temporary closure in 2004 for studies by the Eldorado National Forest due to camping and human waste problems mostly generated by a high number of OHV users branching over from the Rubicon OHV Trail. In 2005 a partial order restricted camping on the north and east sides of the lake. The trail access is to the west and south sides. Check with the Forest for current regulations.
Hidden Lake and Lake Winifred lay to the south of the trail and above Spider Lake. There are no designated trails but user trails and ducked routes (marked with three rocks on top of each other) climb up to the readily accessible lakes. Take a good topographic map for the cross-country trek.
The longest distance option which lies outside of the Wilderness is to continue to the west and south shores of Buck Island Lake which lies just north and outside the Wilderness boundary. The shallow, rocky lake is drawn down and piped by a tunnel to Loon Lake. By mid-summer the shoreline can be a desolate reminder of what it was before California’s thirst for water. There are no developments. The north side of the lake provides a very popular camping spot for jeepers using the Rubicon OHV Trail.
Rockbound Lake is about 0.6 mile beyond Buck Island Lake but overnight Wilderness Permits are required for camping. This is a highly popular area and permits are spoken for early on. Request permits in the year as soon as you can.
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Exceptional)
There is an equestrian campground on the southwest corner of Loon Lake. This trail is a great opportunity.
