Overview

Silver Lake CA lies nestled below Carson Peak, a Sierra Nevada paradise for water sports, camping and hiking into the backcountry. It’s a short drive from Lake Tahoe and worth the trip to discover all the natural treasures of this region.

Location & Information

To get to Silver Lake California from Lake Tahoe, take California Highway 89 to Luther Pass Road, turning left. In 11 miles you’ll reach Highway 88 where you will turn right, and travel 19 miles to reach the lake.

The best times to visit are from June to October.

Contact information:
Eldorado National Forest
100 Forni Road
Placerville, CA 95667
530-622-5061

Activities

• Fishing
  Silver Lake fishing will net you some large rainbow, mackinaw and German brown trout. One of the best places to fish is across from the boat launch.
• Boating
  This haven for outdoor enthusiasts boasts some great boating. Grab your kayak and paddle the length and width of Silver Lake to really get a good dose of outdoor adventure.
• Hiking
  There are numerous trails to take around Silver Lake, such as the Granite Lake Trail, Horse Canyon Trail and the Shealor Lake Trail. Granite Lake Trail is a pleasant 5.3-mile loop from Hidden Lake. Horse Canyon Trail is less than a mile east of Silver Lake and takes you through forested landscapes, meadows filled with wildflowers and into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
• Camping
  Try some Silver Lake camping at the East or West campgrounds. The Silver Lake East Campground has a boat launch.

Fun Facts

California Highway 88, which runs past Silver Lake, is also known as the Carson Pass Highway. This scenic highway travels all the way from Stockton, California to Nevada, crossing the Sierra Nevada at Carson Pass. This is a scenic drive beyond compare and a must for your itinerary.