Tucked In The Eastern Sierra Nevada Is California's Secluded Lake For Scenic Mountain Views And Hiking

California's vast Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain region is chock-full of scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and outdoor recreational opportunities for travelers to enjoy. Among the areas ripe for exploration across more than 400 miles are scenic waterways, including river systems and alpine lakes. One of those is Steelhead Lake, a secluded lake with mountain views and hiking trails.

The 55-acre Steelhead Lake measures over 90 feet deep. It's situated inside the expansive Inyo National Forest. You'll find the remote waterway at an elevation of 10,350 feet, tucked inside a stone basin and surrounded by multiple peaks surpassing 11,000 feet of elevation: Mt. Baldwin, Mt. Crocker, and Mt. Stanford. It is part of the region's Twenty Lakes Basin, which is prime for outdoor recreation and adventure activities. 

Planning a trek to the lake requires a sense of adventure; given its isolated location, you'll need to head there on foot. It can be safely visited during the summer and fall months; the best months are July to October. There are only a few Google reviews for the lake, but one reviewer shared, "Not a bad hike getting here. Lots of bodies of water on the way, even more once you walk around the lake. Stunning views all around."

There's no road access to the lake, so if you're looking to reach the remote spot, you'll need to hike along the Steelhead Lake Trail to get there. It begins at the McGee Creek Trailhead and wanders on a 11.3-mile round trip route with a steep 2,536-foot elevation gain, which All Trails recommends only for skilled hikers up for a challenge. Those undertaking it will be treated to picturesque views of the lake and surrounding area. From here, you can extend the trek for up to 13.6 miles roundtrip to Big McGee Lake over the 11,895-foot-high McGee Pass for an extreme multi-day hiking adventure. An online map and description are available on the Forest Service website. It reminds trekkers to pack in and out all trash and supplies, yield to passing stock animals, and be prepared for changing weather conditions in the area. All Trails users share that the route has a few scenic waterfalls, including Steelhead Lake Falls, with a side trail leading to it. One user shared that they enjoyed "a great hike with lots of waterfalls and beautiful views."

A shorter, alternative approach to Steelhead takes place by departing from Saddlebag Lake as part of the Twenty Lakes Basin Loop, making for a nearly 8-mile round-trip route. You can lessen the walking section by using your own watercraft or taking the seasonal water taxi from the Saddlebag Lake Resort to cross the lake. Both of these routes will lead to stunning mountain vista vantage points of the Sierra Nevadas. While you're exploring the region, head to Cascade Lake, the dreamy high-Sierra nook with a waterfall hike, camping, and wildlife, or one of the Sierra Nevada's 7 most gorgeous high-elevation lakes that aren't Lake Tahoe. 

For backcountry anglers, fishing is possible at the lake, which is known primarily for brook trout. You may also find Chinook salmon, Pacific halibut, lingcod, and copper rockfish depending on the season, according to the Fishbrain app. You'll want to be sure to comply with all California fishing regulations and hold the proper licenses. You can cast a line primarily via the shoreline given the absence of a boat launch or permitted motorized boating; however, those with inflatable float tubes or other watercraft can pack those in and out.

If you're looking to extend your adventure overnight, there are shoreside spots for dispersed wilderness camping. It requires a permit from the U.S. Forest Service, which can be obtained at Recreation.gov. In an effort to keep the terrain protected and prevent overcrowding, there's a quota process to follow, as listed online for Inyo National Forest along with the fee structure details. The season lasts from May to November, with 60% of the allotted spaces available six months in advance, with the remaining 40% saved to be reserved two weeks ahead of time. Given the remoteness, you can expect the sites to be primitive, requiring campers to follow leave no trace principles, pack in and out their trash and waste, and utilize bear-protected canisters for their food. You should also plan for lack of cell service in the area. 

If you're looking for more outdoor adventure in the area, check out the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway along Highway 395.  This stretch of "California's most scenic drive" through the Sierra Nevadas is lined with lake views and campsites.