California · Hiking · Carson-Iceberg Wilderness · Near Bear Valley

Duck Lake Bypass

1.5 mi
round trip
279 ft
climb
7,474 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Duck Lake Bypass open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Duck Lake Bypass, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Duck Lake Bypass is an easy out-and-back hike of about 1.5 miles in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, part of the Calaveras Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail's natural surface makes it a simple walk for hikers and riders on horseback. Bikes are not allowed. The route starts at about 7,185 feet and climbs to about 7,474 feet, a gain of roughly 280 feet one way. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July highs around 75°F with lows near 49°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-30s. Several other destinations sit close by. The Silver Valley to Lakeshore Connector mountain biking route is about 0.3 miles away, and the Lower Woodchuck Trail and (Lake Alpine) Silver Valley Campground are each about 0.4 miles off. Lake Alpine Recreation Area, a fishing spot, is about 0.7 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    (lake Alpine) Silver Valley Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Lake Alpine Resort

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 1 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Junkyardsparkle, CC0 (commons)

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Duck Lake Bypass

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      36° / 23°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      37° / 23°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 26°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 29°

      5 wet

    5. May

      56° / 35°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      66° / 42°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 49°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 49°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 44°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 36°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      43° / 28°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 23°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dagget Pass, NV, 34.7 mi away at 7,334 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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