part 4 – 10 Lakes Near Tahoe… Packer Lake
Packer Lake located in the Sierra Buttes
Packer Lake is about an hour and fifteen minute scenic drive from Tahoe City. For such a small lake, there sure is a lot to do there. The lake has a lodge and I made it my first stop for a look around. As I entered, it made me feel as though I had stepped back in time. The lodge is a true log structure setup for dining and it has a full bar in the corner. I ordered an ice tea and sat on the front porch to take in the view. I saw a pair osprey circling the lake so I walked down to the boat dock for a closer look.
The boat dock is just a few hundred feet from the lodge. I could see several fishermen in boats from the dock. They were cheering as the osprey would go into a dive, latch onto a fish and fly away. I did see a few fishermen reel in some fish as well.
There are several sleeping cabins for rent along the lakes edge. I’m not quite sure whats inside a sleeping cabin, but I reserved one for early October anyways.
From the parking lot I followed a paved road that led up the hill side. When I got to the top, the views were incredible. I could see a lookout tower on top of a hill in the distance. In an attempt to get to it I followed a dirt road but did not quite get there, though I did discover another incredible lake called Young America Lake.
Once I got home I found the lookout tower on the internet. This is the hike I’m going to take when I visit in October.
Packer Lake is near Sardine Lake which I wrote about in Part 1 of this blog series.
Part #1 Sardine Lake
Part #2 Independence Lake
Part #3 Five Lakes Hike
If you have been to any of these lakes, please share your experience in the comment box below.