Tahoe National Forest

A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes

Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry

Ideal for first-timers

Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails

Places we've visited and fallen in love with

Trekking to Penner Lake and 5 Lakes Basin in Tahoe National Forest

Yvonne Leow

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http://www.bewilder.club/experiences/tahoe-national-forest-grouse-ridge-non-motorized-area-penner-lake-5-lakes-basin

Last updated

August 2, 2024

Trip · 3-day backpacking trip

For · Friends and new backpackers

Vibe · Moderate and fun

Distance · 19 miles and 2,995 feet of elevation gain

Permits · Nope, just apply for a CA campfire permit online

Drive · 3.5 hours from SF

Ideal dates · May to September

Pets · Welcome on trails and campgrounds!

Tahoe National Forest (THN) is 871,400+ acres of breathtaking mountains, wildflower meadows, and crystal clear reservoirs. It's one of the most popular national forests in the country, and you don't need a permit to explore its backcountry. TNF is located northwest of the popular Lake Tahoe, but swap the crowds for climbing the Sierra Buttes, hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, or swimming in the Yuba River. TNF has it all.

Official Forest Service Website

‍Latest Forest Alerts and Notices‍

Directions To Trailhead

Main image credit: Reddit

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

The last 12 miles to the trailhead is a bumpy forest service road. It's doable in a car, but 4WD is recommended.
Apply for and print out a CA campfire permit before your trip. It only takes a few minutes to complete online.
Welcome to bear country! Rent or bring a bear canister to store your food overnight.
This trek is technically in the Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area, which means you'll find protected nature and wilderness
Face masks and social distancing are required. Stay safe out there!

Resources

Check the weather

Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

Exterior of Ikeda's Country Market — Ikeda's Country Market. Credit: SF Gate

Leave SF by 10 AM and swing by Ikeda's Country Market for lunch

Located at 13500 Lincoln Way in Auburn, CA
Locals love their chicken pot pie and fruit pies!
Open everyday · 9 AM to 7 PM
Last pit stop · 76 - 25 Canyon Creek Road in Dutch Flat

Drive to Lindsey Lakes trailhead and begin your backcountry adventure

Hike along Lindsey Lake Road towards Rock Lake
Lindsey Lake Road to Lindsey Lake Trail
Lindsey Lake Trail to Crooked Lake Trail

Arrive at Penner Lake and set up camp

Set up your tent on the NE side of the lake, and treat yo' self to a late-afternoon snack.
Or if you're feeling ambitious, scramble up the ridge for a brilliant view!
Prep dinner, dessert, and enjoy an evening of stargazing. Woohoo, you made it!

Car to camp: 4.5 miles - 1,040 feet of elevation gain - 2.5 hours

Tahoe is one of eight national forests along California's Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Day Two

5 Lakes Basin in Tahoe National Forest. Credit: Curt Mekemson

Make brekkie, pack up, and pack out

Top off your water supply, snack up, and scan your site for any litter!

Return to Crooked Lake Trail and hike to 5 Lakes Basin

Hike along Crooked Lake Trail towards Island Lake
Crooked Lake Trail to Round Lake Trail
Round Lake Trail to Grouse Ridge Trail
Grouse Ridge Trail to Glacier Lake Trail. Enjoy lunch or a late-afternoon break at Glacier Lake
Glacier Lake Trail to Sand Ridge Trail

Set up camp at 5 Lakes Basin and unwind

What. A. Day. Prep a delicious meal and warm up with your favorite bevvie.
Soak up your last night in Tahoe National Forest. Tomorrow's an early start!

Camp to camp: 7.5 miles - 1,220 ft. of elevation gain - 4 to 5 hours

Washoe and Maidu Native American tribes were the first to traverse Tahoe National Forest, before the Gold Rush brought thousands of emigrants to CA.

DAY THREE

Cook up brekkie, pack up, and pack out before 10 AM

Load up your backpack, snacks, and refill your water supply for the return hike
Clean up around camp, and throw away any random pieces of litter

Trek back to Lindsey Lakes Trailhead

Continue hiking along Sand Ridge Trail towards Grouse Ridge Trail
Grouse Ridge Trail to Round Lake Trail
Round Lake Trail to Carr Lake Campground, then walk along Forest Service Road 17
FS Road 17 to Lindsey Lakes