East Lake Overview

Hoover Wilderness

photo of East Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California
photo of East Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

East Lake Overview

Hoover Wilderness


East Lake

Rugged Beauty in the Hoover Wilderness

The Hoover Wilderness' East Lake is only a 3.5-mile hike from the trailhead on Green Creek, making the lake a great destination for a weekend trip. Slender waterfalls weave down the mountainsides through ragged volcanic rock. As if East Lake itself didn't have enough places to explore, nearby are Green Lake and West Lake. And 4 miles beyond East Lake the trail crosses into Yosemite National Park.

Anglers have good success casting from the varied 2-mile-long shoreline around East Lake. Grand peaks encircle most of the lake, beckoning adventurous explorers. Campsites are numerous and spacious, making it a good place for gatherings of family and friends.

East Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

East Lake



East Lake - Key Facts


Location: Hoover Wilderness, Mono County, 14 miles southwest of Bridgeport
Trailhead: Green Creek, elevation 8,030 feet
East Lake elevation: 9,462 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,432 feet
Hiking Distance: 3.5 miles
Best seasons: Early to mid-summer through fall
Campsites: Pleasant sites among the trees around the lake; campfires allowed, except in times of high fire danger


sign to East Lake, 3.2 miles

Wildlife

Bears have rarely been much of a problem in the Hoover Wilderness, but bear canisters are now required. Keep an eye out for ground squirrels and other rodents that might enjoy nibbling on your food bags if left unattended. Rattlesnakes, although rare, are possible along the trail and the lakes. Mosquitoes usually come out in the early summer and can be annoying into early August.

Rainbow and brook trout are found in East Creek and all of the lakes in the area. West Lake also has some brown trout.

California Fish and Wildlife describe the Green Creek Wildlife Area hikers pass through on their way to East Lake as riparian and meadow habitat that provides an excellent mule deer migration corridor and fawning area. Deer, black bear, beaver, bald eagle, grouse, mountain quail, and limited numbers of waterfowl are found here.

For Bigfoot enthusiasts, a sighting at East Lake was reported in 1996.


East Lake, Mono County, California

East Lake

East Lake - Key Facts


Location: Hoover Wilderness, Mono County, 14 miles southwest of Bridgeport
Trailhead: Green Creek, elevation 8,030 feet
East Lake elevation: 9,462 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,432 feet
Hiking Distance: 3.5 miles
Best seasons: Early to mid-summer through fall
Campsites: Pleasant sites among the trees around the lake; campfires allowed, except in times of high fire danger


sign to East Lake, 3.2 miles

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Green Creek Trailhead:
Leading to East Lake

The trailhead for the hike to the Hoover Wilderness' East Lake is on Green Creek. The turnoff to Green Creek is about 4½ miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 395, shortly beyond the ranger station. Nine-mile Green Creek Road is passable by most street cars with average clearance. 4-wheel drive is not required.

The route can be a little convoluted, but it is well marked. On the way in, take note of the sharp turn at mile 3½ because you wouldn't want to miss it on the way out.

Parking

Park at the small trailhead parking area near Green Creek Campground. There are vault toilets located at the trailhead.



Nearby Camping and Lodging

Green Creek Campground with 13 campsites and potable water is near the trailhead. The first-come, first-served campsites are $20 per night. There is also a group campground close to the parking area. A few private cabins are situated in the area.

For more camping options in the area, see California's Best Camping: Eastern Sierra.

Lodging is available in nearby Bridgeport. Along Highway 395 close to the Green Creek turnoff, Big Meadow Lodge offers cabins with private baths.

South of the Green Creek Road turnoff is the Willow Springs Motel & RV Park. And just beyond Willow Springs find Virginia Creek Settlement with motel rooms, tent cabins, and camping.