Alpine Solitude at 6,400 Feet
Why Rent On Loon Lake
Loon Lake is perched at nearly 6,400 feet in El Dorado County, a high-alpine reservoir set among granite peaks and dense conifer forest. Formed by Loon Lake Dam as part of the Upper American River Project, this hidden gem offers solitude and sweeping Sierra vistas that few California lakes can match at this elevation. The air is thin and clear, the water is cold and impossibly blue, and the silence is the kind that reminds you what silence actually sounds like.
Remote Cabins for True Escape
The Loon Lake area offers camping and cabin options for those willing to make the drive into the high country. Renting a cabin near the lake gives your family a warm, comfortable retreat in a setting that feels genuinely remote, with a full kitchen to prepare meals and real beds to recover after days spent hiking, paddling, and exploring. The Loon Lake Campground provides direct access to the water for kayaking, sailing, and trout fishing.
Kayak, Sail, and Cast for Trout
The lake is ideal for non-motorized watercraft, and kayaking across Loon Lake on a calm morning with granite peaks reflected in the water is one of those California experiences that feels almost impossible to describe. Trout fishing is excellent, and the Pleasant Lake Arm provides a particularly tranquil stretch for paddleboards and quiet reflection. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, eagles, and the occasional black bear in the surrounding forest.
Snow Play in Winter, Stars All Year
When winter arrives, the nearby Loon Lake Chalet becomes a snow play hub, and the surrounding terrain transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing playground. In summer, the dark skies here are among the best in Northern California for stargazing, far from city light pollution and genuinely dazzling on clear nights. A warm cabin with a fireplace after a cold evening outside is one of those simple pleasures that lodge deep in the memory.
The Perfect Unplugged Retreat
Loon Lake rewards guests who are comfortable being genuinely off the grid. Cell service is limited, the nearest town takes a drive, and the emphasis is firmly on nature. For families who have been craving a reset, this high-country lake delivers it completely. Bring provisions, stock the cabin kitchen, and give yourself enough time to stop noticing what you left behind.
- Surface area (mi)
- 3.67
- Max depth (ft)
- 56
- Elevation (ft)
- 6404.2
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 17.58
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Jet Skiing
- Waterskiing
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Marinas on Loon Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Loon Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Loon Lake. The lake has a designated swimming area and is part of the recreational activities available at the campground.
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Loon Lake is a popular destination because it offers various outdoor activities. In Oregon, it provides excellent boating, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming opportunities, along with sandy beaches. In other locations, such as Washington, it features attractions like a craft distillery and spa, as well as boat and jet ski rentals.
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Ice fishing is not allowed at Loon Lake in California due to fluctuating water levels. Anglers should check the fishing regulations at the Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the most current information.
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There is no public beach at Loon Lake, but there is a boat launch. The lake has a sandy bottom near the boat ramp where you can wade out, but it does not have a traditional beach area.
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Towns near Loon Lake, New York, include Plattsburgh, NY, and Burlington, VT. These towns are within a 49-mile radius of Loon Lake. For Loon Lake in Washington, nearby towns are Spokane, WA, and Post Falls, ID. In California, towns like Placerville and El Dorado Hills are near Loon Lake.
