Hiking Project Logo

A scenic hike that explores the boundaries of three granite surrounded lakes.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.4

Miles

12.0

KM

Out and Back

6,854' 2,089 m

High

5,794' 1,766 m

Low

1,490' 454 m

Up

1,490' 454 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Swimming · Views

Open for hiking early June to November, weather permitting.

Campfire permits are required for campfires, backpacking stoves, BBQs, and lanterns.

Overview

The Loch Leven Trail is a popular out-and-back trail that treats hikers to scenic views through the glacially formed region. The first portions of the trail are favored by anglers and swimmers, but scenery and solitude reward those who travel to the final lake. The start and end of this moderately difficult trail offer the greatest challenge with noticeable elevation change and loose rocky surfaces.

Need to Know

Fishing is generally good in the area, and camping is dispersed throughout the basin.

Description

Leaving from the South Yuba river canyon, the Loch Leven Trail quickly heads across the ridge above, en route to the Loch Leven lakes chain (small bowls formed in the granite). The trailside is dotted with glacial erratics (massive boulders left in place when the glaciers retreated) and outcroppings during this first part of the trail. Various bare rock sections can make it difficult to follow the route and loose rock can make for challenging footing. The trail continues upward along a moderately steep grade, before descending briefly to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Past the tracks, the grade steepens noticeably as the trail gains 800 feet in a little over a mile. Once at the top of the ridge, the hike continues gradually with a some rolling elevation as the trail follows the contours of the Loch Leven lakes basin.

At the south end of lower Loch Leven, a trail junction continues either left to middle and high Lochs, or right to Salmon Lake. Further along at the south end of middle Loch Leven the Cherry Point Trail intersects the route. As you continue to each successive lake the surroundings should be less busy, affording solitude and peaceful views.

History & Background

The railroad tracks crossed during the first at 1.25 miles are on the original 1860s route of the Central Pacific railroad while was built by hand with Chinese labor. It still remains a major passenger and freight route to and from California.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 24 votes

#553

Overall
  4.4 from 24 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#91

in California

#553

Overall
14 Views Last Month
8,737 Since Aug 9, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
15%
35%
50%
0%

Photos

High Loch Leven Lake in August.
Aug 31, 2016 near Truckee, CA
Glimmering water welcomes summer sun along Loch Leven Lakes.
Aug 15, 2016 near Truckee, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.