Loch Leven Lakes
Photos Maps Summary: This is a good hike to several swimmable lakes in a relatively low elevation setting. This trail is usually snow free by mid-June when wildflowers are peaking in the lower section of the trail. However, unless you are looking to take a dip, these lakes are not all that scenic in our opinion. This would be a good hike to bring younger kids on because of the relatively short distance and manageable elevation gain/loss. There is also an optional side-trip to Salmon Lake (add ~1.8 miles and ~300' total).Distance: 7.6 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 1,330' totalSeason: mid-June through OctoberFees & Permits: None for dayhikersFinding the Trailhead: 39.3093 N, 120.5158 W. From the east, take exit #168 (Big Bend/Rainbow Road) off of I-80 west of Truckee and turn left to go under the interstate. Turn right onto Hampshire Rocks Road and follow this ~0.9 miles to the trailhead parking lot off the northwestern side of the road. From the west, take exit #166 (Big Bend) off of I-80 west of Truckee and turn left onto Hampshire Rocks Road. Follow this for ~0.4 miles to the trailhead parking lot off the northwestern side of the road.
The Hike: The trail starts on the southeast side of Hampshire Rocks Rd, not near Big Bend as the older USGS topo map showed it. However, I noticed that an updated version of the topo map shows a more correct path near the trailhead, however it still does not have the trailhead location correct (see my maps). In many places along the early section of the hike it is difficult to see the trail as it climbs over exposed granite. However, cairns mark the way in most cases. There are a few nice viewpoints to the west down the South Yuba River Canyon. At the ~1.25 mile mark the trail crosses over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks before starting the largest climbing portion of this hike. At certain points near the top of the climb, are nice views looking to the north. After ~2.55 miles the trail reaches Lower Loch Leven Lake. Follow the western shore of the lake and at ~2.7 miles the trail reaches a junction with the Salmon Lake trail heading off to the west. From here, the trail heads south and then southeast to the northwestern shore of Middle Loch Leven Lake (~3.0 miles). We stopped and had lunch near the center of the lake, where there was a little island just offshore. I took a quick dip in the cold water (late-August). The trail continues south along the western shore to a junction with the Cherry Point Trail at southern end of Middle Loch Leven Lake at ~3.25 miles. Here there is a nice view of Snow Mountain to the southeast. Staying left here, the trail starts to climb up towards High Loch Leven Lake (~3.8 miles). The path I show on my maps is different than what is shown on the USGS topo map. I don't remember specifically which route is more correct, but I made the path according to aerial views of a trail. At High Loch Leven Lake you can follow the southern shore to the east or hike up the ridge to the west of the lake for nice views of the surroundings (see pics).
