Tamarack Lakes (Gold Lake/Downieville Region)

Anyone been up to Tamarack Lakes within the last year or so? Trying to plan a trip up there for this summer and wondering what the trails are like. I've seen some videos of some pretty gnarly trails but also seen some info that there's an easier, shorter way in. My buddies and I all have stock 4wd tacomas so I want to know if it'd be suitable for us.

 

Isnt tamarack lakes south???

 

it is south, could connect it from gold lake but dont need to

https://quincykoetz.com/2018/05/hiking-tamarack-lakes-trails-california/

thats a recent post. no ig updates about gold lakes ohv access yet so i bet its still snowed in.

have done the ohv trails north west of gold and need some armor but doable, the squeeze section is better done with narrow vehicles than wide and tall. but you are going south.



a few main roads between gold lake and tamarak via sierra buttes.

 

also i know some stock 4runners that hit up sierra buttes, all they have are sliders

 

Cool thanks for the tips Jandy!

 

I went up there a few years ago in a Subaru Forester and a good attitude. We made it about 1/3 of the way before we decided it was out of our pay grade. We hiked the rest of the way and it got considerably rockier and gnarlier. I saw a nice fully built 1st gen Bronco at the lakes when we got up there. I'd like to go back and check it out again but there was one section of it that I still think would be more than I would want to get into.

 

Dont know if you follow the news, but lots of snow this year. Above me a couple miles out side Quincy, three feet of snow on the FS road still. I live in Meadow Valley. Not sure when I'll check out the Gold Lake road on my MC.
Duane

 

I was kinda expecting this. thanks for the update

 

Repo pup and I camped close to this area last night. Took an hour and 45 minutes to walk/bike there, 25 minute coast home this morning. I live at 3800'. Snow further up the road was under 3' deep, more solid in spots.
Duane

 

This will also kind of give you an idea of the snow situation in the area. You can cross referance the trails listed with their elevations and North/South etc orientation etc.
http://www.yubaexpeditions.com/yuba/downieville_trails

 

I was really hoping gold lake would be open for memorial day but it doesnt look like that will be an option.

 

I've seen the picnic tables in the OHV CG at Gold Lake have snow level with the tops then a week later on July 4 weekend have all the snow gone, but at the far end of the lake when you leave the lake and head to Summit lake, have the road covered. Also, that decent just before the first OHV campsites a few feet of snow there still.
Duane

 

Not looking like it, just got a trace of snow o/n at my place. Trees are bowed over with snow on the leaves. Lakes Basin is much higher of course.
Duane