By Jenn Sheridan ·
Squaw Valley’s Sun Bowl is visible beyond the lake.
THE TRAIL
Five Lakes | 5 miles roundtrip | Moderate to strenuous
With winter around the corner, now is a good time to start whipping those ski legs in shape. The trailhead to Five Lakes starts near the base of Alpine Meadows makes this a great vantage point to scope out next season’s lines while working on getting in shape.
Driving up the road toward Alpine Meadows, you’ll find a small sign marking the trailhead on the right side of the road. Parking at the trailhead is limited, so consider carpooling when possible. The hike is about 5 miles of moderate climbing.
On a recent weekend, I met a group of friends visiting from Eureka for an afternoon hike to Five Lakes. We were joined by another group of Kings Beach residents and our four-legged friends.
The trail climbs through White Wolf.
The hike begins with some good climbing through the valley between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. A line of lift towers stretch across the hillside, a partially completed ski area known as White Wolf that leaves local riders imagining a day when skiing between the boundaries of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows is a reality. For now, the property and the towers are owned by a local resident and remain off limits during the winter.
As we make our way up the hillside, we can see the top of KT-22 perched on the edge of the ridge and to the south the expanse of Alpine Meadows opens up beneath us. We near the top of a ridge, which is the perfect spot to stop, admire the view take some pictures and rehydrate.
The large boulders on the shore of the largest lake are a great place for a picnic.
From here, the trail traverses the hillside and the grade becomes less strenuous. Keep an eye out as trail begins to meander through a thicker grove of trees and the first lake will soon appear on the left side of the trail. This lake is home to ducks and geese who can be found swimming in the tall grass along the shoreline.
From there the trail continues through the trees toward the largest of the Five Lakes. We decide to stop here for a quick snack and a dip in the cool, alpine water. You can gaze up into Sun Bowl off the Headwall Chair at Squaw Valley as you soak up the rays on the boulders lining the shore.
The next three lakes are a bit trickier to find. Walk along the east shore of the larger lake and keep an eye out to the right to find the third lake. The fourth lake is just beyond that heading back toward the direction of the first lake. The final lake takes a bit of searching and a scramble over some rocks to find, but it’s worth it to see all five. Many of the lakes are home to rainbow trout, so bring a fishing rod and make a day of it.
If you continue on the trail past the largest of the lakes, it eventually links up with the Pacific Crest Trail, which traverses the ridgeline through Alpine Meadows and beyond.
As you crest the ridge and the trail enters thick trees. the first lake will appear right around the corner.
As you head back down the trail, keep an eye out for mushrooms. Large fungus is often found growing on the trees that line the trail.
Take in the view of Scott’s Peak in the distance as you return through the White Wolf property and picture the strong turns you’ll be making after a fall spent training on the surrounding hills.
Our four-legged furry friends enjoyed this hike, too.
