Lock Leven Lakes Trail Hike – Backpacking Near Truckee

Tahoe National Forest
Near Soda Springs / Truckee CA

Trailhead

Take the Big Bend exit off of highway 80. The trailhead is about 1/8 mile east of the Big Bend visitor center. You’ll see the cars parked and there is a restroom right on the side of the road. You’ll see it. At the time of writing this you could park for free on the side of the road. Just be sure to be aware of the no-parking signs. And, as always, check before you go to see if anything has changed.

Difficulty

Intermediate – It is a 3.8-mile hike into the mountains through rocky terrain and another 3.8 miles back. If you are comfortable hiking, you’ll enjoy the views and the forest terrain. And, the payoff once you reach the lakes is worth the hike. But if you are a beginner, be prepared to run out of breath, take it slow, and bring snacks to keep you going. You’ll need good shoes, and plenty of water.

Elevation Change
5,680 to 6,850

About the Trail

The Lock Leven trail is open from June to November. The trail is great in the summer and fall but not so easy in the winter with snow. Springtime there are a lot of mosquitoes but summer they calm down quite a bit. The trail head is right off the side of the road and winds its way up the mountain toward a set of railroad tracks. The beginning of the trail is mostly walking over big granite outcroppings. There are a few trail markers but you’ll need to look out for them. As you work your way up the mountain, you’ll cross a set of railroad tracks. At this point you are at about 6k feet and this is roughly half way to the first lake. Continue up to the Loch Leven Lakes basin. Once you reach the basin you’ll see the first lake and the hiking becomes much easier as the lakes in the basin are relatively on the same level topography (It’s much easier once you get to the basin). The lake is a beautiful payoff and you can swim at the lake.

Other Things to Know

Can you camp? Yes, you can camp once you reach the lakes. There are unmarked campsites all around the lakes. Campfire permits are required for campfires, bbq stoves, lanterns, and backpack stoves. Be aware that there are fire bans in place starting early in the summer.

Is this a good day trip or a multi-day?
Day trip: This trail is a good full day trip. It is 3.8 miles in and 3.8 miles out. Plan on hiking up, spending time at the first lake, and hiking back if you want to make it a single day trip.

Multi-day trip: This trail also works for a multi-day camping trip. Ideally 3 days where you backpack in, find a camping spot near one of the lakes. Spend the next day swimming and exploring and hike out the third day.

• Bring sunblock and bug spray – there are mosquitoes … it’s the forest so be prepared.
• Shoes – wear good shoes/boots. You can make it in trail sneakers, but the uneven terrain does hurt a bit. Do not wear sandals or flip flops – you won’t make it up the hill in those.
• You can bring dogs on the trail.
• You will generally see quite a few people on the trail.
• Bring swim trunks and a towel if you want to swim at the lake.