Located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the
Sierra National Forest, this stunning high
elevation lake is surrounded by majestic
mountain peaks that tower above a dense pine and
conifer forest. A special feature about Thomas
Edison Lake is it’s an incredible challenge to
get there. Kaiser Pass Road, (County Road 80),
is a steep two-way road, with hairpin turns
barely wide enough for one vehicle. (Now I know
why they are called hairpin turns; it’s because
they cause your hair to stand on end.)
There are sheer drop-offs, with no
guardrails, and a broken paved road that
looks more like a goat trail. All the while,
you are praying to yourself that another
vehicle doesn’t come from the opposite
direction because one of you will have to
back up. Needless to say, large, wide RVs
and vehicles with trailers are not advised
to use this road. I could go as far as to
say any vehicle that doesn’t have four-wheel
drive. If you weren’t skittish about driving
on these kinds of roads before, you will be
after driving to Thomas Edison Lake.
One thing Thomas Edison Lake has is
outstanding scenery. It’s a perfect choice
for your next paddling excursion if you are
looking for a remote paddling
destination.The crystal clear water minimal
amount of watercraft and people, and the
abundance of trout fishing make Thomas
Edison Lake an ideal kayak fishing
destination for an avid fisherman looking to
hook eastern brook, or rainbow trout
or
an occasional brown. The lake receives
yearly stocks of 8,000 rainbow trout in the
10 to 12-inch class by the Department of
Fish and Game. After an early morning
paddle, relax and fish, or find a sandy
beach and take semi-warm swim.
Map of Thomas Edison Lake
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