Photo Credit © Kim Kevan
Ya gotta know where you're going to get to this little lake.
If you have a high clearance vehicle & 4x4 this lonely lake paradise can be yours for the weekend ( well except for an occassional wandering hiker, jeep, motorcycle or fisherman). Tucked way in the northern end of the Tahoe National Forest, back behind the Sierra Buttes, Smith Lakes is not easy to reach, but with determination, your reward will be wonderful. Plenty of seclusion, snowmelt, creeks, trees & a prime little campspot. Perfect your kayak & fishing poles!
Bring your fire permit & everything you'll need, cuz there ain't nothin' for miles & miles. No gas, No stores, No phones. The access is a 6 mile dirt road ( marked for OHV & 4WD) which becomes progressively worse as you near the lake. Large rocks & boulders must be carefully manuevered down some steep section, along witrh several creek crossings. This place is probably only reachable by vehicle from lae Spring to Fall, as the snow could make navigating difficult.
A detailed map of the region is a neccessity! The standard Tahoe National Forest is not nearly deatiled enough.
The map recommended for this is Lakes Basin-Sierra Buttes & can obtained at the local Ranger Station. Or you can choose Order it from Total Escape.
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