Tamarack Lake

A three day backpacking trip to Tamarack Lake in Desolation Wilderness with my Dad and Pepper.

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Ralston Peak reflected in Tamarack Lake

Pepper taking in the view

Ralston Peak framed

View from Echo Peak

Camp

Ralston Peak beyond Tamarack Lake

I had planned a trip to Desolation in early June not knowing whether there would still be snow or whether the bugs would be out in hordes. As the day got closer, the snow was melting fast and it looked like it could be gorgeous trip depending on the timing of the imminent mosquito hatch.

We arrived after the last boat across Echo Lake on Day 1 and not too long after we started it grew dark. The night was incredibly calm and bright with the moon. We still needed headlamps, but comfortably made it to camp. There were many, many people out backpacking and day hiking in the back country - large groups of skiers and snowboarders were heading to the Fountain of Youth. Day 2 we did a day hike up Echo Peak, only running into one other hiker on the way up, and soaked in the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. We took the boat on the return trip on Day 3 just to get a different view and check out all the cabins along the lakes. Overall, an incredible trip. And we got lucky - the bugs hadn't come out yet!

Highlights

• Many, many peaceful moments by the lake at Tamarack. Got to see the light change quite a bit on Ralston Peak which looked very dramatic with so much snow still draped across it. One afternoon we even watched as a thunderstorm rolled behind it. Very cool!
• The hike up Echo Peak was such a treat. A little adventure towards the top with snow covering parts of the trail. And a bit of a grind - but the summit was worth it. You really feel like you climbed a mountain top. Pepper had zoomies and ran around in circles on the snow near the top. The summit itself was clear of snow, sandy with fields of flowers and rocks on the summit you could scramble up for 360 degree views.
• Camp was great. Good food, comfortable beds. And it was the same camp site that I used last season with Pepper. She remembered the spot and seemed incredibly happy to be there.
• We really enjoyed the boat ride back. All in all a great trip.

RECAP

• Location: Tamarack and Echo Peak, Desolation Wilderness via the Echo Lake trailhead.
• Date: June 2025.
• Stats: 12 miles with 2,400+ ft elevation gain.

Route map
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Trailhead

Very happy we got to get outdoors!