Whether you’re looking for a picturesque place to picnic on your way from hoofing up Sierra Buttes or you are scouting the fishing opportunities of Lakes Basin, Packer Lake Day Use Area offers a scenic setting with easy paddle access. Sitting at 6,218 feet, Packer Lake is one of many small to medium sized lakes that dot this scenic northern Sierra landscape.

The lake is stocked yearly with thousands of pounds of rainbow and brook trout, and motorized vessels are prohibited, which keeps things quiet. Shaded picnic tables are available on the east shore near the boat launch. If you are looking to enjoy a longer stay in the area, consider the quaint accommodations of Packer Lake Lodge located on the west shore. There are also a multitude of Forest Service campgrounds in the vicinity.

In addition to endless paddle opportunities, hiking options abound in Lakes Basin, and there are also horseback riding and mountain biking adventures nearby.