There are few places as dreamy and breathtaking as June Lake, California. For years, this has been a must-stop spot on any road trip we’ve taken down Hwy 395. Why? This quaint little mountain town offers a gorgeous, crystal teal lake with awe-inspiring mountains as its backdrop. It’s the perfect place to come relax, hang out at the beach and live like a local.
What Makes June Lake Special
At the center of this rustic community is the crown jewel of the Eastern Sierra frontcountry — the town’s namesake, June Lake. You’ll know why as soon as you pass Oh! Ridge, which is two miles off of the popular scenic drive of Hwy 395. The shimmering alpine waters of the 1-mile long and 0.5-mile wide lake are absolutely astonishing! (We’ll get to more about this gorgeous body of water in a minute.) As you continue down California State Route 158, you’ll enter a small area of town that could be described as “the happening” area of June Lake. Here you’ll find cute cafes, shops, restaurants and lodging.
There’s something so calm and serene about the vibe in June Lake. Maybe it’s the people, the crisp mountain air or it could be the views. Either way, June Lake is one of those places that just makes your heart happy!
When to Visit June Lake
Our favorite time of the year to visit June Lake is in the heart of summer. The temperatures are moderate, ranging from 60 to 78 degrees — which is a pleasant reprieve from most of California’s summer heat. But many love visiting June Lake any time of the year, depending on your choice of outdoor activities. During the fall, visitors are drawn to the outstanding fall colors that pepper the area. In the winter, June Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding. Bonus: Kids 12 and under can ride and ski for free!
What to Do in June Lake
Have a Beach Day
By far our favorite thing to do in June Lake is just chill. The lake itself is stunning, with the picturesque 10,909-foot Carson Peak standing tall as the backdrop. June Lake is a family-friendly beach, where you can enjoying paddleboarding, kayaking, world-class trout fishing or just hanging out at the beach. You can also rent boats, pontoons, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and more at the June Lake Marina for a relatively inexpensive price. Personally, I love the fact that I can go out on our SUP for an hour and see every aspect of this beautiful lake.
Keep in mind that June Lake is no longer a hidden gem like it used to be. In the summer, the parking lots fill up and so does the beach. Be prepared to get there early in the day to ensure that you’re not lugging all of your beach gear up and down the narrow road that leads into the lake!
Drive the June Lake Scenic Loop
Another way to get acquainted with the area — and take in some awesome views — is to drive the June Lake Scenic Loop. We love to drive this 14-mile loop counterclockwise, taking in one lake at a time. It’s here you’ll see the terrain change from desert-like to lush green forest, with views of Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake and finally June Lake. Gull and Silver Lakes are also great spots to fish and get other water activities in. This is a fantastic drive to also do in the Fall, when the leaves are all changing from green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red.
Venture out to Bridgeport, Lee Vining or Mammoth Lakes
If you’re going to June Lake, you might as well tack on a few more days to either end of your trip to explore nearby. Lee Vining is the next closest town, with the unique Mono Lake and the Tioga Pass entrance into Yosemite. Keep driving past Lee Vining and you’ll reach Bridgeport, which is home to Bodie State Historic Park and Travertine Hot Springs. Finally, the opposite direction you’ll discover Mammoth Lakes, which is a fun mountain town with a multitude of hiking trails and activities.
Hike the Nearby Trails
Parker Lake
Distance: 3.6 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 652 feet
This is an awesome, relatively easy hike that packs on the views early on. This is a great trail for kids! Parker Lake is tucked in a small canyon surrounded by the 12,000-foot peaks of the Sierra Crest. The first part of the trail is a climb with 315-feet of elevation gain in the first 0.4 miles, but quickly on it levels out to a flat stroll through Aspen groves alongside Parker Creek. This is a great hike to do early in the season when there are less crowds or in October when the fall foliage is at its peak. When you get to calm waters of Parker Lake, the view of Parker Peak, Mount Wood and Mount Lewis will leave you breathless! Bring a good book or a picnic and enjoy the serenity.
Gull Lake Loop
Distance: 2 miles (loop) | Elevation Change: 65 feet
This is the perfect little hike for families. Just outside of downtown June Lake, the trail takes you around Gull Lake, which is small but beautiful. Take the trail clockwise as it’s easier to follow. The first portion of the trail takes you through cabins but soon you’re walking through a lush meadow. Bring your swimsuit as there’s a rope swing, or your fishing pole to drop a line in the water when you’re at the one-mile mark. After the meadow the trail becomes exposed, but be sure to turnaround to take in the stellar views of the surrounding “Switzerland of the Sierra” mountains.
Fern Lake Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 1,564 feet
OK — this trail is not for the faint of heart! You’re gaining all of the elevation in 1.5 miles, which is no easy feat. Be prepared to take frequent stops and bring a lot of water. I would not recommend this trail for kids unless they are well-adjusted to short and tough trails. However while you’re taking a break, be sure to turn around and take in the scenic views of Silver, Gull and June Lakes. Once you get to Fern Lake, you won’t regret the effort it took to get there! It’s absolutely stunning. Stay awhile and take in the views, because the way down is almost as tough as the way up!
Rush Creek Trail to Agnew Lake
Distance: 4.2 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 1,256 feet
This one is another tough hike, but also delivers fantastic views of Silver Lake and Horsetail Falls. The first portion of the trail is uphill with the difficultly increasing as you progress. Keep in mind that there are some rockier portions that require attention as you ascend (and descend). The entire hike is also very exposed. Start early, wear a hat, put on sunscreen and bring plenty of water! This is a killer workout. Although there’s not much of a view of Agnew Lake (as compared to other lakes in the area), you can keep going to Gem Lake if your legs are dead by the time you reach Agnew. ?
Where to Eat in June Lake
Hermitage Organic Cafe & Juicery
I loved stopping by Hermitage Juicery during our June Lake visits. This small little food stand offers cold-pressed organic juices, salads, toasts, wraps and more. Everything is vegan and oh-so-delicious, even if you aren’t vegan. The menu changes daily, but be sure to try their avocado toast or salads if you get a chance.
June Lake Brewing
Fan of craft beer? Then June Lake Brewery is a must-stop for you. There are several beers to choose from, including Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, Brown Ale, Hard Seltzer and Kettle Sour. The only downside to this location is that it is NOT dog-friendly, unlike practically every other place in the Eastern Sierras.
Ohana 365
One of the main reasons we stop at June Lake Brewing (besides the beer) is Ohana 365. Holy cow, their food is so good! They serve Hawaiian soul food, like poke bowls, Kalua pork tacos, fried noodles and more. Just thinking about their food makes my tummy rumble!
June Pie Pizza
Craving pizza? June Pie Pizza should be on your list. They serve New-York style pizza with fresh dough and sauce made daily with premium ingredients. It’s a bit pricey, but there’s not much in the Eastern Sierra that isn’t, to be honest. And we loved that the pizza only takes 15 minutes to cook! Grab it to go and hit up the picnic tables by Gull Lake.
June Lake General Store
If you’re looking to cook your own grub during your visit, swing by the June Lake General Store. They have a decent selection given that they’re located in a small community. The general store also offers fresh meats and produce, as well as a large selection of hardware, home goods, fishing tackle, RV supplies and booze.
Where to Stay in June Lake
We’ve always camped outside of town at Paradise Shores, but there are plenty of great camping nearby. Here’s a quick list of places to stay:
- Oh Ridge campground
- Pine Cliff RV Resort
- June Lake Campground
- June Lake RV Park
- Gull Lake Campground
- Silver Lake Resort
If you’re not looking to camp, you can also check out Double Eagle Resort, which has adorable little cabins and a swimming pool on site. June Lake Pines also offers a charming place to stay and is located downtown.
Summary
Trust us when we say that you’ll fall in love with June Lake and the surrounding community. We hope that our blog helps as you make plans to visit this adorable mountain town!
