Thousand Island Lake, Eastern Sierra, Nr. Mammoth Lakes

A nice and challenging route from Silver Lake Campground via Rush Creek Trail up to a wilderness plateau and the spectacular Thousand Island Lake just above 10,000 ft (around 3,000m) in elevation. Surrounded by peaks including Banner Peak (12,942 ft / 3,944 m) which reflects off the lake in the early morning picture above taken by a young explorer called Jordan Vincent.

Trailhead is located off the 395 at June Lake Junction just north of Mammoth Lakes.

This route is ideal for an overnight wilderness camp. Be sure to book your wilderness permit before and check in at the Eastern Sierra Visitors Centre at Lone Pine if you're driving up from LA. They can also print your permit. 

Trail length: 14.3 miles
Elevation gain: 3,884 ft 
Typical time to complete: 8-9 hours (or split that over 2 days)
When to go: June through October, always check conditions before you leave
Dogs are welcome! 

Kit list: 

• Hiking boots

• Hiking trousers (and shorts)

• T-shirt 

• Mid-layer fleece, for when the temperature dips on the trail 

• Down jacket just in case it gets cold at night

• Outer shell jacket in case the wind picks up

• Sun hat & glasses + beanie for the evening 

• Pack 

• Sleeping bag 

• Tent optional

• Headtorch  

• A good book

• Camera 

• 2-3 liter camelback for water + water filter for refilling

• Camping stove, spare lighter, and light weight camping pots 

• Freeze-dried camping meals for dinner & breakfast 

• Sandwiches, nuts, fruit, and bars for lunch on the trail