Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake

Caples Lake, CA
5.0
3 Reviews
Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake
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Details

Distance
8.71 miles
Elevation Gain
971 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Family Friendly
Lake
Forest
Easy Parking
Wildflowers
Beach
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About this place

Added by Valerie Cauhape

Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake near Kirkwood, CA offers up great lake views and some potentially great fishing.

This is an awesome out-and-back hike for the weekend warrior. The trail begins at the western-most point of Caples Lake, and takes you to Emigrant Lake.

The first 2/3 of the trail is rather flat and appropriate for all skill levels. The last mile up to the lake schleps up the hill, and has some uneven terrain that may not be suitable for people with limited mobility and/or small children. However, anyone else who can hike for 4-6 hours should be just fine. The first mile or so of the trail runs alongside the lake and is a great spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking or SUP. Caples Lake is also a great spot for fishing, and there are several campgrounds nearby.

Emigrant Lake is a small gem with many perfect spots for a lunch break. There is no camping within 300 feet of the lake itself. As for fishing, it doesn't seem that the lake is stocked, but there are a lot of brook trout in the lake.

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Jeff Driscoll
9/6/2016
Great first hike!
This is a great, easy hike since most of it is following along the shores of beautiful Caples Lake. The little bit of ...
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Jessica Klop
8/20/2016
Hidden Gem
Lots a great scenery along the way with a gorgeous end at the lake perfectly surrounded by a mountain backdrop. Once you make it ...
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Charlie Pankey
7/20/2016
Fantastic Lake Destination
Emigrant Lake is so awesome. Hard to leave Caples Lake and its sapphire blue water, the climb up to emigrant along the creek is ...
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