Goodbye Big Bear, So Long Lake Tahoe: This Alpine Lake Is A Sierra Nevada Gem With Camping, Fishing, And Trails

For most people who are planning an alpine lake adventure in California, Big Bear and Lake Tahoe are inevitably among the first destinations that spring to mind. After all, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and Big Bear is relatively close to Los Angeles. However, both lakes can be incredibly crowded. Plus, although it sits at over 6,000 feet in elevation, Big Bear is not actually an alpine lake; it is a manmade reservoir. So, outdoor enthusiasts wanting a real alpine lake adventure should pass on Tahoe and Big Bear and plan a trip to Rock Creek Lake instead. This true alpine lake is among the highest in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, and receives only a fraction of the visitors that flock to Tahoe and Big Bear.

Rock Creek Lake is situated within Inyo National Forest, about 180 miles northeast of Fresno. Situated at around 9,600 feet, this Sierra Nevada gem offers visitors camping, fishing, and a labyrinth of trails amidst a scenic, high-altitude landscape. Just getting to the lake can be a memorable experience, as it requires driving along the highest paved road in California to reach it. This vantage point affords visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and John Muir Wilderness. Additionally, in spite of its remote, elevated location, visitors to Rock Creek Lake can still enjoy a few modern comforts. Rock Creek Lakes Resort, which sits just a short ways from the lake shore, operates a general store and small café, which allows visitors to enjoy a hot meal and/or pick up any provisions they may have forgotten to bring.

Anglers ascending thousands of feet to reach Rock Creek Lake have plenty to look forward to once they reach the lake shore. Although it only covers 55 surface acres, Rock Creek Lake offers plenty of angling opportunities. Fishermen can find outstanding trout fishing both within the lake itself, as well as in Rock Creek both above and below the lake. Between the lake and creek, anglers have a chance to catch a wide variety of trout species, including brook, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow. There are also golden trout, the state fish of California, in Rock Creek above the lake.

There is outstanding fishing access to both the lake and creek. A concrete boat ramp allows anglers launch small boats from either a cartop or a trailer. Typically, the ramp is open from late April until heavy snow arrives. While anglers can fish from motorized or non-motorized vessels, there is a 5 mph speed limit on the lake. There is also shore access around the entirety of the lake and a good portion of the creeks for bank fishermen and waders. The fishing season on Rock Creek Lake runs from the last Saturday in April until November 15. Fishing remains good until the closing date. Anglers age 16 and older must have a valid California fishing license.

Visitors to Rock Creek Lake also have plenty of opportunities to take to the trails. In many instances, this also includes fishing, as anglers (and sightseers) are able to hike to dozens of other lakes within a relatively close proximity. From Rock Creek Lake, hikers can access miles of trails in the John Muir Wilderness leading to destinations such as Ruby Lake, the stunning blue lake with crystal-clear waters, and Little Lakes Valley Trail, an underrated trail that passes 8 alpine lakes.

While Rock Creek Lake is scenic and offers a lot of recreational opportunities, it can be a bit of a task to get there. The lake can most easily be reached by taking US-395 south from Mammoth Lakes or north from Bishop to Tom's Place, then following Rock Creek Road for 10 miles or so. Of course, the first step is getting to either of those towns. Luckily, each city has a small commercial airport. Mammoth-Yosemite Airport (MMH) is located in Mammoth Falls, while Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) is just outside of Bishop.

Given the effort it takes to reach Rock Creek Lake, it only makes sense to make it an overnight trip. While cabin rentals are available at the aforementioned Rock Creek Lakes Lodge, there are also camping options around the lake. Rock Creek Lake Campground is situated on the northwest shore of the lake. This campground has 28 tent-only sites. All of the campsites are primitive, walk-in sites, but do provide outstanding views of and access to the lake. It should be noted that bears are active in the area, so campers should properly bear-proof their campsite. To aid with this, bear-proof lockers are provided. Sites should be reserved online.

A short distance downstream of the lake along Rock Creek are a couple of other camping options: Upper and Lower Pine Grove campgrounds. Upper Pine Grove has 9 and Lower Pine Grove has 10 first-come, first-served sites for tents and small (under 15 feet) RVs. There are no hookups, although water is available within the campgrounds, which are operational from mid-May through early October.