A Desolation favorite for those seeking solitude
As the crowds stream along the shores of Echo Lake toward social media famous Lake Aloha or Woods Lake the locals who like to enjoy the solitude of Desolation wilderness often peel off up hill shortly after the Desolation Wilderness sign to Lost and Triangle lakes for a well earned night of solitude. For those new to the area the Desolation wilderness sign is located just above Tamarack Lake 3 miles from the Echo Lake Lodge. Backpackers can decide to take the water taxi in the summer across Echo Lake to save 2 miles of lake side hiking.
Sitting at an elevation around 8’100 feet Lost lake is one of the crown jewels of the Wilderness for its simple and quiet location below Keith’s Dome. With Steep terrain on three sides of the lake backpackers are forced to the North side of the lake which provides panoramic views of Fallen Leaf and Lake Tahoe to the east and the Glean Alpine Valley below to its north.
The Lake bottom is a bit squishy from all the sediment but the water is clear and cool for an afternoon swim.
As a volunteer with Desolation Wilderness I have looked after Lost and Triangle lakes for several years. Triangle lake is reached first about 100 feet below the trail and offers good fishing and camping locations. There is no direct trail from triangle to Lost lake. Understanding the terrain and the map before going off to the west to find Lost lake is wise.
North of Triangle lake drops off the ridge down towards Grass Lake and Keith’s Dome is directly to the south so scrambling over the rocks and up the next slope to the West is the best route to Lost Lake.
An alternative hiking route to these lakes was added a few years ago in Desolation wilderness climbing up from Lilly lake near glen Aulin Waterfall behind Fallen Leaf Lake.
There are Bears in this area of the Wilderness and Desolation now has a Strick Bear Canister rule in place for all food and smelly items. Please be bear aware and remember Desolation Wilderness also does not allow fires ever.
Other Desolation Wilderness Lake reviews and Backpacking Resources
- Exploring Susie Lake Desolation Wilderness
- Backpacking Desolation Wilderness
- Exploring Azure Lake Desolation Wilderness
- Exploring the Lakes of Pyramid Creek ~ A Desolation Wilderness Adventure
- Backpacking Desolation Lake
- Exploring Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
- A Perfect Untouched Gem in Desolation Wilderness
