Just a short distance west of Bishop along State
Route 168, the environment changes from high
desert sage and arid climate of the wide open
Owens Valley floor to an alpine wonderland of
pine forest, rushing streams and gorgeous
deep-blue lakes surrounded by jagged mountain
peaks of the Eastern Sierra.
Well-maintained roads lead to three out of
the four major lakes. North Lake is located
at the end of a steep, narrow dirt road.
Proceed with extreme caution, especially
after a recent rain.
The Piute Pass Trail leading into the John
Muir Wilderness begins at the North Lake
Campground one-half mile beyond North Lake.
Parking is located near the Bishop Pack
Outfitters’ Station. No boat rentals or
services of any kind are offered at North
Lake.
While the lake is
the smallest of the four in Bishop Creek
Canyon, it doesn’t fall short of natural
beauty or great trout fishing. This is the
perfect retreat for kayak fishing, relaxing
and soaking in the sun and natural beauty.
You have to hand portage your kayak 20 feet or so through
overgrown underbrush.
Get your fishing gear packed and leave the
city behind. North Lake Campground is just
the place to get away for a long weekend. It
offers breathtaking scenes, cold mountain
water loaded with an abundance of big trout.
Brown, Brook, and Alpers (hybrid)
trout are also taken here.
Scenic views of the surrounding forests,
brilliant blue waters, and an occasional
eagle or bear sighting will be your reward
at this remote paddling destination.
Map of North Lake
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