Mid Sierra Musings: The Lake Trail Along Eastman Lake

Dale Matson

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My Lake Trail Hike Route

For more background information I have a previous article on Eastman Lake. https://midsierramusing.blogspot.com/2018/02/eastman-lake-raymond-ca.html

There is a nice trail that begins at Eastman Lake runs along the east shore and ends at the Raymond Bridge. It is four miles one way. You can also begin the trail at the Raymond Bridge and go to Eastman Lake. For this route, you need to find your way to the town of Raymond and take highway 613 to the bridge where the highway crosses the Chowchilla River that feeds Eastman Lake. I began at the bridge and did about 6 miles round trip on the trail Saturday.

There is a lot of up and down and I did about 600’ of elevation gain round trip. If you are a fisherman, there are a lot of places to drop down to the water. I think the view is scenic with lots of different birds to see along the way. The trail is used by those on horseback and folks bring their dogs when they hike also. I think mountain bikes are allowed also. Check first at: https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Locations/Sacramento-District-Parks/Eastman-Lake/

There was an eagle nest with eggs last year but for some reason, the eagles abandoned the nest. This year, there is no evidence of eagles at all near the nest. It is located between the trail and lake. And can be seen from the trail. There are little creeks that flow across the trail this time of year so be prepared to jump or wade. You might see a newt or two on the trail as you hike.

There is a large place to park by the bridge and a toilet nearby.