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

Tamarack Lake

2.6 mi
round trip
1,250 ft
climb
9,211 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Tamarack Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Carson Ranger District. It doesn't name Tamarack Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Carson Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Tamarack Lake is a 2.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, part of the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in California. The trail rises from about 7,937 feet to 9,211 feet, a climb of 1,250 feet, and is rated moderate. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is on natural surface. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from June through October, when typical averages from a nearby weather station show highs in the low to mid 70s and lows in the 20s and 30s. That station sits about 840 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. The Corral Valley hike lies about 0.8 miles away, and Four Mile Canyon is about 1.2 miles off. Paddlers can reach the East Fork Carson River about 4.6 miles away, and Bootleg Campground is about 9.3 miles away for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

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

    Mill Canyon

    Campground

    Campground · 7.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Lake Alpine Resort

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 21 mi
  • If it rains

    Alpine County Museum

    Museum

    Museum · 18 mi from Bear Valley

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Tamarack Lake

    Best months: June–August. 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

      41° / 8°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      41° / 9°

      7 wet

    3. Mar

      45° / 13°

      6 wet

    4. Apr

      51° / 19°

      5 wet

    5. May

      61° / 25°

      5 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 32°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 36°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 34°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 28°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 20°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 12°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      41° / 8°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bodie California St Historic P, CA, 36.8 mi away at 8,370 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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