Tamarack Lakes Trail


Starting from Rock Creek Lake Campground, the Tamarack Lake trail climbs up the ridge east of the lake and connects to Sand Canyon Road along the shoulder of the Wheeler Crest. This section of trail is not within the wilderness boundary and allows mountain bikes and other non wilderness types of recreation.

Several side trails enter the John Muir Wilderness boundary. If you follow the East Fork of Rock Creek a broad valley leads to Kenneth and Dorothy Lakes. The trail to Francis Lake is not recommended for stock. At the upper end of the valley the trail climbs to Tamarack Lake and Buck Lake near the top of Wheeler Ridge.

Common Destinations: Kenneth Lake, Tamarack Lakes

Download area map for trail location.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Weather
Reservations: Reserve up to 6 months in advance at www.Recreation.gov
Rentals & Guides: Rock Creek Pack Station is located on Rock Creek Road offering day rides and mule pack trips (760) 935-4493 or (760) 872-8331
Permit Info:
  • Wilderness permits are required year round for overnight trips.
  • Day use does not require a permit.
  • May 1 through November 1 quota limits visitors to 10 people per day.   
Restrictions:
Closest Towns:
  • Toms Place, CA (gas, food)
  • Crowley Lake, CA (gas, food)
  • Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital)
  • Bishop, CA (full service, hospital)
Water: Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.
Restroom: Please Leave No Trace. Bury human waste away from water sources.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

Leave Hwy 395 at Toms Place. Follow Rock Creek Road to Rock Creek Lake Campground. Day use and hiker parking is on the east side of Rock Creek Lake.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Tamarack and Buck Lakes are the only lakes along this trail that contain fish, Tamarack Lake has Golden and Brook Trout, Buck Lake has Brook Trout.

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.4517

  Longitude : 
-118.7343

  Elevation : 
9,731ft. at trailhead - 11,605ft. at Tamarack Lake