Location: North Lake, Bishop, California
Distance: 5.2 Miles out and back Time: 3-5 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,562 Feet
Season: May-November
Foot Traffic: Light
Date Hiked: Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Overview
Lamarck Lakes is yet another hike indicative of the beauty that the Sierras have to offer. Gorgeous views of massive peaks and two stunning alpine lakes is the payoff for a moderately challenging climb. Treks to the Wonder Lakes or Lamarck Col are options for the more adventurous with extra time.
Camping at the North Lake campground is a great idea for those heading out on this trail. The campground sits at 9,350 feet and in addition is where the trail begins. Camping here will allow you to acclimate and will save you over a mile in hiking distance. A designated parking lot over a half mile away from the campground and trailhead is where hikers must park if they are not staying in the campground. There are only eleven tent sites at the campground, so arrive early if you plan to snag one. Sites are walk up only and RVs are not allowed.
Trail Description/My Story
Eager to get outside, our family friend Kyle joined myself and my wife to get some hiking in. Our trip started with an eventful night trying to manage heavy winds while camping at Alabama hills in Lone Pine. The next morning we awoke early, packed our bags and made the hour drive to Bishop. From there it was a quick 30 minute drive up the pass to the designated hiker parking lot at North Lake. The three of us gathered our packs and set out on the gravel road towards the North Lake campground. After a little more than a half mile we reached the campground and the trailhead. The trail starts to the right of the vault toilets and heads directly into the aspen lined forest.
North Lake campground to Grass Lake
Almost immediately we arrived at the signed trail junction with the Piute Pass trail (another great day hike). We headed left along the Lamarck Lakes trail, crossing the north fork of Bishop creek and then over some bridges. Steep switchbacks kicked in right off the bat and the climbing was pretty steady and continuous. My wife and our friend Kyle were leaving me in the dust and I was feeling a little embarrassed with not being able to keep up. I was trying to blame my struggles on the altitude but I think a little too much whiskey and staying up late the night before to photograph and view the stars was the true culprit. Now climbing through a shaded section of aspens and lodgepole pines, we reached the junction with Grass Lake.
Grass Lake to Lower Lamarck Lake
The side trail to Grass Lake continues a half mile steeply downhill and adds a mile in total hiking length. The lake is marshy and not very appealing, so I decided to visit it by myself on the return trip. Continuing right at the junction, the trail briefly leveled out but was now entirely exposed to the sun. Reaching the one mile point the trail had now grown very rocky and the incline had resumed. I continued to lag behind, attempting to catch my breath and take short breaks. As I rested I was greeted by views of Grass lake and North Lake, now in the distance behind me. The trail briefly entered a forested area before once again resuming the relentless switchbacks. A few beautiful tarns presented themselves, with morning shadows of the mountains casting off of them.
We all decided to take a short break on a small rock out cropping. The small tarns were beautiful and this was a much welcomed resting spot.
Finally, Lamarck Lake awaited directly ahead.
Lower Lamarck Lake
At roughly 2.25 miles I arrived at the east shore of the stunning Lower Lamarck Lake.
The rocky shoreline offered a few decent spots to lay our stuff down and settle in for a bit.
Our friend Kyle decided to take off and jog towards the upper lake while my wife and I elected to hang out at the first lake for a bit. There was a real sense of solitude at the lake and the only others in sight were a few anglers. Shadows from the mountains were still bouncing off the lake and the waters were the typical clear colors that you would expect from an alpine lake in the Sierras.
The scene was phenomenal with jagged, awe inspiring peaks encircling the lake. Beyond the lake lied the Wonder Lakes which I sat and imagined a future trip to.
Lower Lamarck Lake to Upper Lamarck Lake
As my wife and I were finally getting ready to start the quick .5 mile trek to upper Lamarck Lake, our friend Kyle was already arriving back from his quick jog up to it. I pitched a hammock for Kyle to nap in until we arrived back and off we went. This section of the trail was very straightforward and relaxing. We climbed gently as the creek rushed besides us and then came upon a snowfield that was blocking the trail but was easily manageable to bypass.
Before we knew it we were standing at the outlet of Upper Lamarck Lake at 10,918 feet.
At 2.7 miles we had reached the end of our hike for the day. Upper Lamarck Lake was much narrower, but longer than the lower lake and the water is a bit clearer. The lake was nestled into a bowl with massive peaks backing it.
The Hike Down
With the shoreline at Upper Lamarck Lake being very tiny we only hung out for about ten minutes. We turned and headed back so Kyle wouldn’t be sitting by himself at the first lake for too long. The trip down went by fast and once we reached the junction with Grass Lake everyone headed for the car while I went to the lake by myself. The hike down to Grass Lake was a fairly steep trek over loose rock. Once at the bottom I was greeted by the marshy, buggy lake. The best part of the lake is the views of the surrounding mountains.
I made way back up the half mile trail to the junction and then jogged my way back to the trailhead to catch my wife and Kyle. We got back to the car with plenty of time left in the day and a great experience behind us.
Getting to the Lamarck Lakes Trailhead
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is Lamarck Lakes a fee area?
- No. There are no fees to park at or hike the Lamarck Lakes Trail.
Are dogs allowed on the Lamarck Lakes Trail?
- Yes, however, they must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the Lamarck Lakes trailhead?
- Yes, there are vault toilets in the campground, right before the trail begins.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, anglers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
