Summary
A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays (quota system May–October; reserve via Recreation.gov). No fees beyond the permit. There are no toilets (practice Leave No Trace), no potable water (treat water from the lake), no fire rings (campfires prohibited), and no picnic tables or RV access. It's a backpacking destination, best for experienced campers. Expect granite peaks, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and nearby trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and Velma Lakes. Best visited late summer to early fall for snow-free trails and clear skies.
Nearby Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations |
|---|---|
Fontanillis Lake
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Bayview
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Emerald Bay State Park
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D.L. Bliss State Park
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Camp Shelley
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Fallen Leaf
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Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
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NOHRSC RUBICON #2
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0" |
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FALLEN LEAF LAKE
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0" |
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RUBICON #2
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0" |
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FALLEN LEAF
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0" |
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ECHO PEAK
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0" |
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NOHRSC ECHO PEAK
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0" |
1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50 To Avalanche Lake
State Highway 50 To 1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50
Headwaters In Sec 7, T11N, R18E To Blair Bridge
Headwaters To South Of Upper Truckee Road (Sec Line Between 17/20 Intercepts River And Unnamed Tributary)
Emerald Bay State Park
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Wilderness Desolation
Washoe Meadows State Park
Lake Valley State Recreation Area
Gertrude Lake
Maude Lake
Lake Aloha
Hemlock Lake
Grouse Lake