Silver Lake: June Lake Loop's Go-To Stop in the Fall

When it comes to fall road trips in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, few places shine as brilliantly as the June Lake Loop. This 16-mile scenic drive along California’s Highway 158 circles crystal-clear alpine lakes framed by rugged granite peaks, quaking aspens, and fiery fall foliage. At the heart of it all sits Silver Lake, the oldest resort in the Eastern Sierra and the most beloved stop on the June Lake Loop.

During autumn, Silver Lake becomes the crown jewel for those chasing golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and endless outdoor adventure. Whether you’re camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking up scenic views, Silver Lake delivers a quintessential Sierra Nevada fall experience.

Why Silver Lake Stands Out in the Fall

What makes Silver Lake special is the way the surrounding aspens explode with color come late September and early October. The reflection of gold, orange, and red hues dancing across the water’s glassy surface is nothing short of breathtaking. Photographers, road trippers, and leaf peepers alike often claim Silver Lake offers some of the best fall colors in California.

This timing coincides with prime fishing season, ideal paddleboarding weather, and cooler hiking temperatures—making Silver Lake one of the most versatile destinations for outdoor recreation. Unlike Yosemite Valley, which overflows with crowds in autumn, the June Lake Loop and Silver Lake area strike a balance between scenic beauty and peaceful escape.

Silver Lake Camping and RV Options

For travelers making Silver Lake a basecamp, the Silver Lake Campground offers lakeside camping with unparalleled mountain views. Large RV rigs, campervans, and tent campers can all find a spot here with quick access to the water. Sites book up fast during fall foliage season, so it’s wise to secure your reservation in advance.

Just across the highway, the Silver Lake Resort—the oldest "fishing resort" still operating in the Eastern Sierra—offers rustic cabins, a general store, and award-winning pie that has become a tradition for road trippers.

Camping here puts you right along the shoreline with easy access to endless activities:

• Fishing at Silver Lake – The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Anglers love it for both shore fishing and boat rentals.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding – Calm waters make Silver Lake perfect for SUP adventures or lake kayaking. Early mornings are especially magical as mist rises off the water.
• Backpacking Access Points – Silver Lake is a major gateway into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, providing access to some of the Sierra’s most famous lakes.

For RV travelers driving the scenic Highway 395 corridor, parking your rig at Silver Lake makes it easy to loop back to Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, or Yosemite’s east entrance at Tioga Pass, all within a short drive.

Hiking From Silver Lake: Lakes You Can’t Miss

While many people come for Silver Lake camping or fishing, avid hikers know that some of the best wilderness trails in the Sierra Nevada begin right here. The Rush Creek Trailhead, located near Silver Lake Resort, heads directly into the Ansel Adams Wilderness and the southern boundary of Yosemite National Park’s backcountry.

Here’s a look at where you can hike from Silver Lake:

1. Agnew Lake – Just a few miles up the trail, this glacial-fed reservoir (formed by a dam) is surrounded by granite cliffs and is a popular first stop for backpackers.
2. Gem Lake – Known for its aquamarine water and stunning alpine backdrop, Gem Lake is reached after a moderate climb past Agnew Lake. It’s a favorite for day hikers looking for longer but rewarding routes.
3. Waugh Lake – About 7 miles from Silver Lake, Waugh Lake is a serene backpacking destination with sweeping views. It’s less visited than Thousand Island Lake but equally beautiful.
4. Thousand Island Lake – This is one of the most iconic lakes in the Sierra Nevada. Backed by Banner Peak and dotted with hundreds of granite islands, Thousand Island Lake is on nearly every Sierra hiker’s bucket list. The trail from Silver Lake via Rush Creek is strenuous but offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the region.

For those not looking to go deep into the wilderness, Silver Lake itself has nearby shorter hikes that wind through aspen groves, perfect for leaf-peeping and light afternoon strolls.

Fishing at Silver Lake

Fishing remains one of the most enduring attractions at Silver Lake. Since the resort’s founding in 1916, anglers have been flocking to this alpine jewel for the chance at trophy trout.

In autumn, the crisp air and cooler water temperatures make for excellent fishing conditions. Common catches include:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Brook trout
• Cutthroat trout

Boat rentals are available from the resort, or you can simply cast a line from the shoreline. The experience of fishing Silver Lake while golden aspens surround you makes it distinctly different from fishing anywhere else in the Sierra Nevada.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking Silver Lake

For those who prefer being on the water instead of along its banks, Silver Lake is a dream for paddle sports. Unlike nearby June Lake, Silver Lake is smaller and often calmer, giving paddleboarders and kayakers a peaceful experience.

Glide across the glassy waters at sunrise and you’ll often share the lake with nothing but trout jumping and bald eagles flying overhead. Because motorized boat traffic is limited compared to other alpine lakes, Silver Lake is one of the most SUP-friendly lakes near Mammoth Lakes.

Photography and Fall Colors

Silver Lake is one of the most photographed destinations on the June Lake Loop—and for good reason. Its mirror-like waters reflect jagged Sierra peaks like Carson Peak alongside the blazing colors of aspens. The best times for photography are:

• Golden hour at sunrise and sunset when alpenglow paints the mountains in pinks and oranges.
• Late September through mid-October, when fall colors peak around the lake.
• Early mornings when mist rises from the lake’s surface for a dramatic alpine feel.

Drone photography is not permitted in the wilderness areas but plenty of roadside pullouts around Silver Lake allow easy access for fall photos.

Silver Lake vs June Lake vs Gull Lake vs Grant Lake

Each lake along the June Lake Loop has its own personality, but Silver Lake tends to be the crowd favorite in autumn:

• Silver Lake – Best for fall colors, camping, hiking access, trout fishing.
• June Lake – Largest beach area, great for swimming and paddleboarding, with a small lakeside town.
• Gull Lake – Quieter, tucked between aspens, good for kayaking and fishing.
• Grant Lake – Largest reservoir on the loop, popular for boating and less crowded.

For those chasing Eastern Sierra fall foliage, Silver Lake offers the most jaw-dropping roadside views without needing to hike miles into the backcountry.

Road Trip Tips for Visiting Silver Lake in Autumn

If you’re adding Silver Lake to your fall road trip itinerary, here are some key tips:

• Best Time for Fall Colors: Late September through mid-October—peak color is usually the first or second week of October.
• Weather: Expect chilly mornings (in the 30s) and pleasant afternoons (60s-70s). Pack layers.
• Parking: The roadside along Silver Lake fills quickly with photographers, so arrive early for parking.
• Where to Stay: Reserve a spot at Silver Lake Campground or consider nearby June Lake motels if campgrounds are full.
• Nearby Attractions: Mono Lake’s tufa towers are a 20-minute drive north, while Mammoth Lakes offers hot springs and ski-town charm just 25 minutes south.

Why Silver Lake Is the Perfect Fall Destination

Silver Lake combines everything an outdoor enthusiast dreams of: world-class hiking, a prime fishing spot, quiet paddleboarding, backpacking gateways, and unbeatable fall foliage. Whether you’re road tripping the Highway 395 corridor, planning a Sierra camping trip, or simply looking for the best fall colors in California, Silver Lake shouldn’t just be a stop along the June Lake Loop—it should be the centerpiece of your adventure.

If you’re a hiker, the trail options are endless. If you’re into fishing or kayaking, the lake is fully stocked with opportunity. If fall foliage drives bring you joy, Silver Lake is guaranteed to deliver a golden-hued spectacle.

Simply put: Silver Lake is the must-stop destination for fall in the Eastern Sierra.

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