California's Crystal-Clear Lake Duo In The Sierra Nevada Has Scenic Trails And High-Altitude Fishing Spots

Sitting along the crest of the Sierra Nevada is a place that embodies the raw grandeur of the famous mountain range: the John Muir Wilderness. Stretching over 650,000 acres, the area was captured in its pure essence by its namesake, John Muir, an environmentalist and author who wrote vividly about the mountain range and was a staunch advocate for protecting the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. Muir's activism helped spur the United States to preserve the country's wilderness, beginning with Yosemite Valley. He campaigned to protect Yosemite as a national park, and in 1890, Congress established Yosemite National Park in part due to his efforts. 

50 years after his death in 1914, Congress passed the Wilderness Act, and the 100-mile strip of wilderness between the Inyo and Sierra National Forests was the first to be established and named after Muir. While most visitors flock to the John Muir Wilderness for its hiking trails, there is an alpine calm hidden deep within the forest: Lamarck Lakes. Hikers will have to take a challenging hidden trail to reach the alpine lakes, but once they arrive, they'll find a pair of high-altitude lakes that are cradled by towering granite peaks. While Lamarck Lakes has long been a quiet spot to reflect and soak in the beauty of the wilderness, the lakes are also a lesser-known destination for alpine fishing.

Much like the High Sierra Trail within Yosemite National Park, the hike to get to Lamarck Lakes is a strenuous but rewarding one. The trail, which begins at the North Lake Campground, is a 5.3-mile route with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet. There are spur trails off of the main route, including a hard trail that leads through Piute Pass and a more moderate one that heads to Grass Lake. If you stay on the main path, you'll first reach Lower Lamarck Lake. The hike between the Lower and Upper Lamarck Lakes is less steep and somewhat easier, but still offers a challenge.

If you've brought your fishing gear, Lower Lamarck Lake, which has an elevation of over 10,650 feet, contains a variety of trout. While many anglers may be satisfied with the catch they'll find at Lower Lamarck Lake, those willing to trek a little further can reach Upper Lamarck Lake, known for bigger trout. Hikers who make the trek to the lake normally say the same thing: difficult but well worth it. "It was a tough climb," a Reddit user wrote, "but worth the view."  No permit is required to hike to Lamarck Lakes (though overnight camping does require one), but you need a valid fishing license in order to fish at the lakes.

At over 100 miles long, the John Muir Wilderness offers plenty to explore after your hike to Lamarck Lakes, especially if you are planning a weekend visit. After seeing Lamarck Lakes, you might want to try the 10.4-mile rocky hike to Pika Lake. If you have additional time, consider exploring Inyo County, which has more than six million acres of public land with a range of trails, parks, and camping options.