How is it possible that after 16 years of traveling the USA, Canada & Mexico, and living in California most of my life, I have never been to June Lake, or most of the places we have visited and intend to visit along Hwy 395. More importantly, arriving at a destination such as this and still being completely overwhelmed by its beauty; it just never gets ho-hum!
Our home for a week, taking us through the Memorial Weekend until..whenever our mail arrives, is the Oh! Ridge Campground, located near the southern entrance of the scenic June Lake Loop, Hwy 158. The Oh! refers to the spectacular views from our perch above this placid turquoise or emerald lake (depending on the angle of the sun), framed by jagged granite peaks, and pine forested hillsides. Our cost for the week is $83 with Golden Access Pass, no hookups but services available. And once again, our drive from Bridgeport was 40 miles! Rationing our use of diesel fuel is a good thing.
 |
| Oh Ridge campground above June Lake |
 |
| This Deer Brush shrub is so fragrant with its tiny yellow flowers |
From our base camp there is much to see and do: Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Tioga Pass and the eastern entrance to Yosemite NP, Mammoth Lakes and Devil's Postpile, scenic backroads and hikes. But for now we'll show you around the loop.
 |
| Driving thru town |
 |
| Cute and colorful |
Next door to June Lake is Gull Lake
You can't miss Horsetail Falls erupting down from Rush Creek at peak flow this time of year!
Spectacular Silver Lake..
With Grant Lake at the north end of the loop.
All of these lakes provide excellent fishing, from what we've been told, and they all have Forest Service campgrounds. There are several full service private RV parks as well. The town of June Lake offers a variety of restaurants, a grocery store, and shops in a lovely alpine setting.
We are situated at an altitude of 7700' which takes a bit of acclimating before attempting serious hikes. Just walking down to the beach and back to our campsite has me out of breath! The temps all week have been in the mid to high 70s...until today, and now it's snowing!
 |
| Glorious! |
 |
| Front door shots...welcome! |
3 comments:
I love June Lake and the area you are in. The water in June Lake is so clear. Silver Lake was my Dad's favorite. I see you got a little skiff of snow. Just bundle up and enjoy it anyway (as I'm sure you will). Thanks for sharing the pictures - brings back fond memories.
That looks like a gorgeous place to spend some time. Except for the snow.
Thanks for the reminder and trip around the June Lake Loop. Bob and I always welcome a little snowfall. A saying by all at Calaveras Big Trees, "Winter isn't over until it snows on the Dogwood blossoms". A snowfall on Mem Day Weekend is expected.
Post a Comment