Fern Lake Day Hike
June Lake Loop - Ansel Adams Wilderness
A steep 1.7-mile climb from a trailhead on the June Lake Loop leads up to dazzling Fern Lake. Rugged granite peaks rise from its southern end while soaring pines spread around the shore, welcoming visitors. A flat rock just off-shore near the northern end of Fern Lake makes a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a picnic lunch, and try a little fishing. A sandy beach invites wading.
Lunch Rock
Fern Lake Trailhead
Moderate
3.4 miles
1,577 feet
June Lake
The Fern Lake trailhead is a small parking area off the main June Lake Loop road between Gull Lake and Silver Lake. No facilities are available there, but restrooms and water can be found in nearby June Lake.
Fern Lake Trail
The trail to Fern Lake begins at 7,300 feet elevation and climbs almost from the first step, continuing at the same grade all the way to the top. A thick conifer forest provides plenty of shade. After the first mile hikers arrive at the junction to Yost Lake, a little higher and farther away than Fern Lake. Those with a water filter who want to refill their supply may want to take the Yost Lake trail for 100 yards to a creek crossing.
The final 0.7 miles up to Fern Lake continues steep at first but gradually begins to flatten out near the top. Soon the lake emerges through the trees. Fern Lake is a nice place to explore along either shore.
Things to Know
- Leashed pets are allowed on the trail.
- No piped water or restrooms are available at the trailhead or at the lake.
- Mosquitoes can be pesky around Fern Lake from early to mid-summer.
Silver Lake from the Fern Lake Trail
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Crystal Lake - a dazzlingly beautiful lake
- Parker Lake - explore a beautiful alpine lake
- Rainbow Falls - a beautiful 100-foot tall falls in Devils Postpile
Other Nearby Trails
The Yost Lake trail is 1.4 miles from its junction with the Fern Lake Trail. An unmaintained trail extends beyond Yost Lake to a meadow and then swings northeast, passing through the June Mountain Ski Resort and eventually descending over rugged terrain to June Lake.