Woods Lake Day Use Area

Woods Lake is an alpine lake located at 8200' that is central to a variety of hiking and snowshoe trails in the Carson Pass area.

The lake itself is open to non-motorized boats, with the shore near its parking lot being flat and great for carrying kayaks and canoes. Granite slopes envelop the lake along most of its edges, giving the feel of its environment in the high mountainous region of the Northern Sierra, as well as offering areas to jump into the water from.

The main day use area has a picnic area with several tables and grills, an asphalt path the traces the lake shore along its southern side, and a vault toilet. For those looking to get further into the backcountry, this is a good place to start from, as trails from Woods Lake extend to a number of surrounding mountain lakes and peaks. Closer to Woods Lake are easier trails over bridges that span streams. The remoteness of the area and the small number of visitors here make it very easy to feel distant from all traces of civilization. Handicap parking is available.

Woods Lake Campground [add hyperlink], is located a short quarter mile walk from the lake area, and is available on a first come, first serve basis during the warmer months.

There is a day use fee of $10 per vehicle, payable at the self pay kiosk near the area parking lot. While the lake lies just over a mile off of the highway is the route is paved the entire way, the path is narrow and winding curves, so RVs and trailers aren't recommended to enter, and the drive in may be slow if there are any other vehicles coming and going.