Let me start off by saying that hiking from the June Lake Loop to Thousand Island Lake is not a stroll through the park. You will gain about 3000 feet in 5 miles or so. However, let me also say that
the views are breathtaking and absolutely worth it! (plus after the initial climb the hike becomes much more gradual.)
The total mileage each way is about 8 miles and it will take you through some mountain passes, meadows, woods, and to several beautiful lakes!
The initial climb gives you beautiful views overlooking the June Lake Loop. Can you spot the Double Eagle Resort?
It is a steep climb, but again you get a beautiful view! I took this shot because I thought it was cool that we could see Agnew Lake, Silver Lake, and Mono Lake all at the same time.
Still climbing up, we are behind Carson Peak looking down on Spooky Meadow to the right.
The toughest part of the elevation gain was over, and we had some beautiful streams to cross with wildflowers growing everywhere!
Our journey took us past several lakes known as the Clark Lakes. Each one has its own charm 🙂
Our destination is in sight! (but we still have a few miles to go.) The mountain peaks in the background are Banner Peak and Ritter Peak.
Another one of the Clark Lakes!
Gaining some more elevation to get a beautiful view of yet another Clark Lake
From here we see the valley looking towards Mammoth Lakes and Agnew Meadows to the left. To the right is our destination! Not far left to go!
The rest of the hike took us down into the forest to the right. A mile or two later, the view opens up to this beautiful scene you see below…
Banner Peak majestically stands watch over 1000 Island Lake.
Upon our arrival, we searched for a good place to set up camp, dipped our feet in the lake to cool off, and cooked us some much needed dinner!
As we went to sleep, we heard some other campers banging pots together… If you’ve been camping in
bear territory you generally know what that sound means. Needless to say, we had a few encounters with bears that night and kindly advise anyone who plans on camping or backpacking in the sierras to
remember your bear canister and make sure all your smelly items are secure inside and a short distance from your camp before you go to sleep!
Did I mention the stars in the back country are incredible? Because the stars in the back country are incredible.
Have you been to 1000 Island Lake? Share your adventure with us in the comments below!
Another one of the Clark Lakes!
Gaining some more elevation to get a beautiful view of yet another Clark Lake
From here we see the valley looking towards Mammoth Lakes and Agnew Meadows to the left. To the right is our destination! Not far left to go!
The rest of the hike took us down into the forest to the right. A mile or two later, the view opens up to this beautiful scene you see below…
Upon our arrival, we searched for a good place to set up camp, dipped our feet in the lake to cool off, and cooked us some much needed dinner!
As we went to sleep, we heard some other campers banging pots together… If you’ve been camping in bear territory you generally know what that sound means. Needless to say, we had a few encounters with bears that night and kindly advise anyone who plans on camping or backpacking in the sierras to remember your bear canister and make sure all your smelly items are secure inside and a short distance from your camp before you go to sleep!
Did I mention the stars in the back country are incredible? Because the stars in the back country are incredible.
Have you been to 1000 Island Lake? Share your adventure with us in the comments below!
