Lake Alpine - from Shore to Shore
Lake Alpine is a popular recreation area along Highway 4 in the Stanislaus National Forest. With 180 surface acres of glistening mountain water, Lake Alpine attracts anglers and boaters, campers and hikers, swimmers and sight seers. At an elevation of 7,350 feet, summer temperatures are mild.
Campgrounds on both sides of the lake have room for plenty of tents and RVs. Lake Alpine Lodge offers accommodations, a store, a restaurant, and boat rentals. With none of the crowds found at more well-known lakes, Alpine is a place where visitors can relax and enjoy the mountain serenity.
During the winter the gate on Highway 4 a mile west of the lake is closed for the season. Access to the lake is limited to conveyances such as snowmobiles, cross country skis, or snowshoes. Water released from the dam after the ice forms on the lake makes it extremely dangerous to venture onto the ice.
Lake Alpine
Boating on Lake Alpine
Generally Lake Alpine is open for boating from around Memorial Day to mid-October. A launch ramp ($5) and dock are located right off the highway by the resort. There is an adjacent parking area for trailers. Restrooms are close by. The nearest fuel is found 3 miles west at Bear Valley.
The speed limit on the lake is 10 MPH, so most of crafts launched are fishing boats. Shifting and unsteady winds make it a challenging place for sailing, but experienced sailors are often seen tacking across the lake on small sailboats and Hobie Cats. Kayaking and canoeing are also great ways to explore the lake and its islands. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake at night.
During the summer the Lake Alpine Lodge rents small boats from a dock near the launch ramp. All rentals are for a minimum of 2 hours. "Please call (209) 753-6350 for accurate boat pricing. A $5 Lake Alpine Day Use Fee is added to all boat rental fees. The $5 Day Use Fee is also in effect for the launching of personal boats."
- Single Kayaks, paddleboards: $25 for 2 hours
- Double Kayaks, rowboats, canoes: $40 for 2 hours
- Triple Kayaks: $50 for 2 hours
- Motor Boats: $75 for 2 hours
Fishing Lake Alpine
Fishing is good at Lake Alpine both from the shore and from boats. Regular plants of rainbow trout make Alpine a great place to fish.
Popular Baits and Lures
- Trolling: Needlefish, Cripplures, Glitter Bugs, and Wild Things
- Spin Casting: Panther Martins, Super Dupers, Kastmasters, and Rapalas
- Bait Fishing: Salmon Eggs, PowerBait, Nightcrawlers, Gulp Eggs
- Fly Fishing: Adams, Stone Flys, Wooly Buggers, Gnats
Fishing is not allowed in Silver Creek upstream from the lake from April until the end of August in order to protect the spawning areas.
On your way up to the lake a stop at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods in Arnold is a good way to get the latest information on fishing conditions at Lake Alpine. While you're there you can pick up all the best lures and baits you will need to land that lunker trout.
Picnicking
There are two picnic areas at Lake Alpine, one near the Lake Alpine Campground and the other at the eastern end of the lake. Both picnic areas are free.
The Lake Alpine Picnic Area has picnic tables and BBQ stands. It also is close to the amphitheater. Views of the lake through the trees make it a pleasant place to spend the day.
Chickaree Day Use Area (shown right) is adjacent to Highway 4 at the eastern end of the lake. Restrooms are next to the parking lot. Picnic tables are scattered along the lake's shore. Potable water is available there. It's a good place for families to enjoy a picnic lunch while watching their children fish along the shore.
Swimming
Lake Alpine's water is quite cold through the first part of the summer. Caution should always be taken when venturing into mountain waters. Children should wear life jackets and need constant adult supervision. Swimming out to nearby islands can be tempting, but icy water can quickly sap the energy from even strong swimmers. Use caution and good judgment.
The most popular place for wading and swimming is the inlet on the northeast side of the lake. The gradual slope of the lake bottom there makes it a good place to frolic in the water close to shore. Inlets at the eastern end of the lake attract more experienced swimmers.
Camping
Lake Alpine has a number of campgrounds:
- Lake Alpine Campground: West shore, 25 campsites for tent or RV
- Silver Valley Campground: East shore, 21 campsites for tent or RV
- Pine Marten Campground: East shore, 32 campsites for tent or RV
- Silvertip Campground: 1 mile west of Lake Alpine, 23 campsites for tent or RV
- Backpackers Campground: East shore, one night only for backpackers
For complete information about camping at Lake Alpine, see
Lake Alpine Campgrounds.
Lodging
Lake Alpine Lodge offers several lodging choices:
- Cabins: Fully furnished cabins, some sleep up to 10
- Tent Cabins: Sleeping quarters, restrooms and showers nearby
For complete information about lodging at Lake Alpine Resort, see
Lodges, Inns and Resorts.
