Serene Lakes California Fishing, Boating, Camping

Whether boating, fishing, hiking or camping, Donner Summit's Serene Lakes are a good location to try for fun and excitement. Set in stunningly beautiful mountain scenery with fir treed forests dotted across the landscape, the lakes sit on the side of Donner Summit, drawing in crowds of travelers, backpackers and families from across the globe each year. With a wealth of amenities and other activities to choose from, it is very clear that the lakes are one of California's many summertime gems.

Serene Lakes, California, is located in the western Sierras, a section of the Tahoe National Forest. Situated on Donner Summit, they provide year round fishing, boating and camping recreation for young and old, attractions thousands of visitors each year. In fact, there are many other opportunities available there, including hiking, real estate, cabin rentals and a wealth of amenities to satisfy the most discerning traveler. It is of course no surprise that its popularity is increasing dramatically with the many backpackers who hike its most famous trail.

The lakes cover about two thousand four hundred acres, sitting at about six thousand plus feet above sea level. Each lake is about fifty acres and is fed by springs high in the mountains, only joined by a natural isthmus. In fact, it is fast becoming famous due to its most famous hiking trail, the Pacific Coast, which runs straight through it, allowing backpackers, campers and fishermen to enjoy the challenge of one of the most testing walks in North America. No matter whom visits the lakes, even if hiking is not their forte, the knowledge that this trail was once part of the famous emigrant route leading settlers to the gold rush and the Californian coast is enough to create curiosity. For others the lakes are also a place of education, especially as it is a haven for mountaineering and avalanche training (safety) course that are recognized across the globe.

Being close to Soda Springs, a couple of miles from the nearest main highway, the environment is peaceful, pristine and exquisite. With its close proximity to major destinations like Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and Reno, it is a central point for exploration.

Serene Lakes have a fascinating history, beginning their days as the ice suppliers for the local railroad in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries, especially for those heading to San Francisco. Therefore it is not surprising that they were once known as the Ice Lakes. In time many travelers saw its undulating shores and one such visitor was the author, Mark Twain. Being so taken in by its magnificence, the lakes were renamed in honor of his daughter, Serena.

Today, many of the travelers are equally as impressed with the lakes' views. The come in the summer, even the winter. Fishing the lakes has proven more challenging though as increased tourism and silt has put the ability of fish survival in jeopardy; turbidity is becoming an increasing issue. However, for those who do not mind mild eight-five degree summer temperature and depleting trout stocks, the pleasure of angling at these lakes continues. Though ice fishing is possible, the area receives so much snow each year that sometimes accessing the community and thus the lakes provides a major dilemma.

Boating on the lakes is very restricted. Motor powered boats of any type are forbidden, to avoid further damage to their fragile ecosystems. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are more common and provide everyone with peaceful recreational fun.

For those staying in the area for a vacation, varied rental accommodations are on offer, mainly cabins. Though amenities are limited to those found in nearby towns, the exchange is a tranquil and relaxing time without the hassle of urbanization. All restaurants, stores and other necessities can be found in Soda Springs, Truckee, Norden or the southern towns of Lake Tahoe.