LAKE OF THE WOODS

Lake of the Woods is part of a nearly 7,500-acre conservation easement that the Land Trust acquired between 2010 and 2012. The acquisition of the easement from Sierra Pacific Industries prevents further subdivision of the land, and continues public access in perpetuity. It was made in partnership with the Northern Sierra Partnership and the Trust for Public Land. The lake is about a quarter mile long and is nestled in a forest of red fir. The lake has dense forest all the way to the shore, making for shady places to picnic. The lake is shallow and weedy—not the best place for a dip.

field notes

WHAT TO DO

  • Wander around the lake

  • Look for wildflowers and birds

  • Fish

  • Picnic

COOL FACTOR

Lake of the Woods is one of the destinations of the day trips where Peter Webber took guests of the Webber Lake Hotel. Morgan Point is a short walk to a low ridgeline above the northeast corner of the lake. From Morgan Point, there are expansive views over the Sierra Valley

The lake has dense forest all the way to the shore, making for shady places to picnic.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Hwy 89, about 17 miles north of Truckee, follow Jackson Meadows Road west about 7 miles to the sign for Lake of the Woods. Turn right and proceed approximately 2 miles up rough a dirt road. After about a mile and a half, the road forks: the right fork leads to the upper end of the lake and Morgan Point; the left fork leads to the lower end of the lake. On the way up to the lake, there are beautiful views over Webber Lake and Lacey Meadows as well as numerous wildflowers.

RULES, REGULATIONS, GOOD TO KNOW

  • The Land Trust half of Lake of the Woods is open to day use only.

  • Fires or open flames of any kind are not allowed.

  • There is a campground on the Forest Service half of the lake.

  • CA DFW fishing regulations apply.

  • Motor vehicles must stay on designated roads.

OTHER LAND TRUST PROPERTIES IN THE AREA

Webber Lake / Lacey Meadows is one of five properties in the upper Little Truckee River Watershed that have been conserved by the Truckee Donner Land Trust and its conservation partners.