this is a beautiful area and setting. Get outside and enjoy. Location is perfect for biking, kayaking, hiking or just relaxing,
Great for kayaking, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Our family goes here numerous times and has for many years. You can also hike, camp and backpack in the summer. In the winter, the snowmobiles and skiers take over!
Any time we pass through this area we always take the time to stop and admire this beautiful lake. It looks different every time that we stop and we always find new things to enjoy. It's a great spot for a picnic, a hike, photos, or just to take a walk and absorb nature's beauty. There have always been people kayaking and fishing and taking advantage of all that this lake has to offer every time that we've stopped. This is a spot to stop at again and again, whether you have a few minutes to spare or a whole day.
Iced over or summer swimming -- it's all good. An easy to access lake for multi-sports. I have trained for triathlons here while watching bald eagles and ospreys.
I always enjoyed bringing the kids up here when they were younger. Lake Alpine has several campgrounds located around it's shores. It's very "laid back" and quiet, with mainly kayaks and an occasional fishing boat putting past. It's great for families with kids who set up their chairs at the shore and let the kids splash around. This is an absolutely beautiful place to camp, pine covered mountains surrounding the crystal clear lake and clouds rushing by overhead. It's heaven. We camped for two nights on the west shore and had heavy thunder storms the first day. Excitement on the second night provided by a bear that entered the camp next to ours, opened their car door, honked the horn, and then stole an assortment of goodies from them. Upon leaving, we continued up Highway 4 and crossed over Ebbett's Pass toward Virginia City.
Such a lovely drive to get to Lake Alpine, and some parts of the lake are a must to stop and sit and enjoy the scenery. There is a lodge that serves a good lunch, very good service . . . cut gift shop. If you have time to hike, the hike to Duck Lake is very worth it and not too strenuous. I could have stayed there all day.
Great quiet, low speed water craft lake with few waves, great for kayaks. Fishing was spotty but a beautiful location with snow capped (sort of) in the distance. The lake has a great bike/hike trail around at least part of it, may be dirt in spots, not sure but the parts I saw were paved. Great place for families with older kids who are water safe. Boat rentals and ice cream available.I never saw any reliable wind for sailing.
Lake Alpine is settled in the valley of the beautiful Sierras. The water is clear, the crowds are small, and there's plenty of places to lay down, relax and bask in the sun. The picturesque view is simply amazing and you could spend an hour or several there whether you kayak, picnic, drink or just meditate. Highly recommend.
Lake Alpine is a high Sierra lake located in the Stanislaus National Forest about three hours away from San Francisco on Highway 4.It offers spectacular views, fishing kayaking, swimming, and hiking and camping. There is also a lodge with accommodations and a store and outside dining.This is one of the best places I know to get a look a and a feel for the High Sierra, without crowds. You don't have to get out your car, but you should.
If you can make it up here during the week then you will get a taste of Northern California beauty and nature that is very hard to find. It can get a little crowded it the middle of summer on the weekends and especially during holidays. Amazing hiking trails close by and I hear the fishing is awesome as well.