Lake Aloha & Lake of the Woods (El Dorado County, California)

I have not yet been to Hawaii (it's on my list), but I have to imagine it is more lush and inviting than the lake in Desolation Wilderness named in the spirit of the Hawaiians. For a couple of weeks, I have been hoping to complete this hike, but the weather has not been kind. The Sierra Nevadas have received a combination of rain and snow the last two weekends. Today though, the skies were clear and presented a marvelous day to hike into the wild country southwest of Lake Tahoe.

The trailhead was a bit difficult to find, but after talking to a couple of friendly people, I finally found it at the foot of Lower Echo Lake. While this large body of water is extremely beautiful, it somewhat spoiled by the presence of cabins all along its shoreline. I guess if we coudl afford it, my wife and I might buy a cabin up here as well. For now though, I will have to settle for simply hiking through.

 

The trail is somewhat rugged and is comprised mostly of small granite rocks, with an occasional patch of dirt. While the trail is mostly level it does make a slow ascent up into the mountainous areas of the wilderness. Passing Lower Echo Lake, it's companion, the smaller Upper Echo Lake comes into view. similar in shape, but only about half the size, this lake has much less development around it. The lower lake only has boat access to the cabins and with the upper lake being slightly more remote, it makes sense that fewer people would have built here.

Finally, as I make my way around the upper lake, I pass a sign indicating that I have entered the Desolation Wilderness. Thankfully, this areas federal designation as a wilderness area prevents any development beyond this boundry. It's all wilderness from here on out. The trail continues through a wooded area that has a wonderful autumn display of colors in progress. The combination of desiduious and evergreens makes for a wonderful palate of rich colors. Passing a sign indicating which trail leads where, I elect to take a detour to the Lake of the Woods. From an article I read about this hike, this alternate route will be well worth it.

 

Heading down a number of swichbacks, I make my way down into a small valley to what is perhaps the most beautiful alpine lake I have seen. Lake of the Woods is a peaceful and serene jewel in this wilderness. Deep clear water gives a clear view of fallen trees and boulders on the bottom. There are even some tiny white sand (pulverized graine) beaches along this section of the lakes shoreline. I take numerous shots of this amazing place. If I were prepared to camp tonight, this would be where I would stay. As I prepare to leave a family of adolescent ducklings paddle across the calm water of the lake. Alas, it's time to move on.

Having rounded a good section of the little lake, I attempt to refind the trail, but fail to see any sign of human footfalls . . . awesome! Eventually, I decide to attempt a little trailblazing. I know that Lake Aloha is just above a rise to the Northwest and so I attempt to scramble over some boulders to get there. A small peak, which I have christened Road Block Peak, will have none of it. It prevents me from this path with tall granite boulders that I am ill-prepared to climb over. Eventually, I admit defeat to the tiny granite mount and double-back. I finally find the trail leading around the other side of the road block and make my way to Lake Aloha.

 

I'm suprised to see that Lake Aloha is actually a collection of interconnected pools covering an area the size of a couple of football fields. The pools are interrupted by the large granite islands throughout the area. I suspect that in the spring, when the snow has melted, the total area of the lake is much greater than it is this time of year. It is made obvious by the appearance of large patches of low earth, saturated with water, but lacking anything on the surface to be called a pool or lake. The fact that this "lake" exists in Desolation Wilderness is fitting, as this area has very little life. Tree's spotting the area and the islands dispersed throughout the lake are more often dead than alive, and from what I can see, the nearly clear water is free of any fish. I call this place lifeless, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't have a beauty of its own. It truly does and I wish I could spend more time here, but unfortunately, I need to get back.

 

I take a few minutes to eat a snack (cliff bar, almonds, and some beef jerky) and then start the long trail back to my jeep. Clocking in at just under 14 miles, this was a great hike. I hope to do it again when I can take advantage of warmer weather and take a dip in the lakes.