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
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
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.
