Ya gotta know where you're going to get to this little lake.
If you have a high clearance vehicle & 4x4 this lonely
lake paradise can be yours for the weekend ( well except for
an occassional wandering hiker, jeep, motorcycle or fisherman).
Tucked way in the northern end of the Tahoe
National Forest, back behind the Sierra Buttes, Smith Lakes
is not easy to reach, but with determination, your reward will
be wonderful. Plenty of seclusion, snowmelt, creeks, trees &
a prime little campspot. Perfect your kayak & fishing skills! But remember the bug repellant.
Bring your fire permit & everything you'll need, cuz there
ain't nothin' for miles & miles. No gas, No stores, No phones.
The access is a 6 mile dirt road (marked for OHV & 4WD)
which becomes progressively worse as you near the lake. Large
rocks & boulders must be carefully manuevered down some steep
section, along witrh several creek crossings. This place is probably
only reachable by vehicle from late Spring to Fall, as the snow
could make navigating very difficult.
A detailed map of the region is a neccessity! The standard
Tahoe National Forest is not nearly detailed enough.
The map recommended for this is the NatGeo Sierra Buttes Map
April 2019
