This 5.4-mile out-and-back has it all: 5-star camping, superlative swimming, and picture-postcard scenery along a patchwork of lakes in Tahoe National Forest. TO TRAILHEAD: I-80 W to CA 20 W to FR 18 N (Bowman Rd.) to FR 17 E; follow signs to Carr Lake Campground.
Location: 39.401001, -120.640602
Begin on Round Lake Trail along N shore of Carr Lake (6,664 ft.); cross riffles of Lake Creek
PLT002
Location: 39.399281, -120.634598
Skirt S shore of Feeley Lake beneath sloping ridge; red scree dome of Fall Creek Mtn. frames view to N
PLT003
Location: 39.397209, -120.627296
Climb along N shore of unnamed pond circled by alders and sedges
PLT004
Location: 39.396252, -120.623299
Turn N onto Crooked Lakes Trail, skirting Island Lake's shoreline
PLT005
Location: 39.399929, -120.623398
NW shore of granite-encircled Island Lake; mighty fine swimming
PLT006
Location: 39.403061, -120.619301
Hike under red fir to small waterfall on Island Lake's outlet. Hidden Lake rests in contours of Fall Creek Mtn.
PLT007
Location: 39.409061, -120.617104
Hike along W edge of marshy Crooked Lakes; bear down for ascent along talus path laced by manzanita, huckleberry
PLT008
Location: 39.412842, -120.617104
Steep section before Penner Lake; see jagged Black Buttes to E
PLT009
Location: 39.415150, -120.617104
Crest ridge to view rocky shore of deep, emerald Penner Lake below; drop W off ridge toward Culbertson Lake
PLT010
Location: 39.417751, -120.616501
Penner Lake (6,895 ft.); best tent sites are on NE end. Optional: Scramble .4 mi. up ridge W of lake for dramatic views down to Culbertson and Lindsey Lakes ; continue 1.6 mi. N to bag Bowman Peak