Fern Lake Hike – June Lake California

Living in the Eastern Sierra it is easy to find new hikes and adventures.  Recently my husband and I decided to try a new hike in the June Lake area called Fern Lake.

June Lake is a short 20 minute drive north of Mammoth Lakes.  It is an easy drive — from Highway 395, follow the June Lake Loop (Hwy.158) through the community of June Lakes. Look for the trailhead sign (Fern/Yost Trailhead) with a dirt parking area just west of the Carson Peak Inn.

There are two hikes from this trail head.  The trail splits about one mile in and at this junction you have the choice to head to Fern Lake of Yost Lake.  We decided on the short and steep route to Fern Lake.  Friends tell me the trail to Yost Lake is less steep and longer but not as picturesque.  At the point where the trail splits, there is a magnificent waterfall and we took quite a few photos as the water was really flowing!

This trail is pretty much starts out steep and gets steeper.  It climbs 1500 feet in about 2 miles ending at a beautiful lake tucked inside the Ansel Adams Wilderness.  Most of the hike you will be surrounded by tall Pine and Aspen trees.  Finally when you rise about the tree line you have magnificent views of Silver, Gull and June Lakes.  It was a clear day and we even had views of Mono Lake….breathtaking.

In summary, this is a rewarding hike with magnificent views but it is not a hike to take lightly.  I have bad knees and the .25 mile vertical drop on the return was painful (thank goodness for my hiking sticks).  We ended the day with a jacuzzi, steam and relaxing dinner at Double Eagle Resort which is located near the trailhead.  Highly recommended www.doubleeagle.com