Agnew Lake via Rush Creek Trail

June Lake never ceases to amaze. In just about any weather, this particular portion of the 395 is something to be experienced in its entirety.

If you are dedicating a day or two to explore the June Lake loop, then a trek to Agnew Lake is the perfect hike to throw into the plans. It is not extremely challenging and can be easily completed in a few hours. The rewards of this hike are pristine views of multiple lakes, stunning foliage, and a falling creek.

Once you are on the 158 (June Lake loop), make your way to the Rush Creek Parking on the northeast side of Silver Lake. From there, take the Gem Lake trailhead and begin your ascent. For the first mile and a half or so you will make your way up the side of the mountain and parallel the lake. As you climb, the views are only magnified as you make your way through the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

You will then cut over and start to make your way into Rush Creek Canyon. If it is spring, you are sure to see the creek coming down the granite cliff within the canyon. This section also offers a few stonestep switchbacks as well as a unique site: the tramway. I did some research on the tracks and it looks like these tracks, originally built in 1915, serve the hydroelectric power plant at Gem Lake. I didn’t see any trams moving on the tracks while I was there, but I am pretty sure it is still an active system. Just use caution when crossing.

After this portion of the hike, you will make your final stretch in the canyon and arrive high above Agnew Lake. There is a trail that will take you to the beach of Agnew and forgo the main trail that will continue on to Gem Lake. I would either plan on relaxing here for a moment, or we decided to head back on the trail slightly and park it with an adult beverage near the rushing creek.

PACK LIST:

• Pack the 10 essentials
• Sunscreen (very exposed trail)
• Adult beverage from your stop at June Lake Brewing beforehand. The Silver Lake Saison is appropriate!