Right in the backyard of the Sierra Buttes, tucked away within the Tahoe National Forest, lies a gem of outdoor recreation: Sardine Lakes. Just 44 miles north of Truckee, this alpine retreat offers swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and some of the most stunning mountain views in Northern California.
A quick turn off of Gold Lake Highway brings you to both Lower and Upper Sardine Lakes. Day trippers and campers alike will find plenty to do, from paddling across emerald waters to hiking quiet forest trails.
Lower Sardine Lake is dazzling with its deep blue-green water framed by the jagged backdrop of the Sierra Buttes. Swimming isn’t allowed here, as the lake is preserved for fishing, but it’s still wonderful to explore by boat, canoe, or paddleboard. If you don’t have your own, the nearby Sardine Lake Resort rents small motor boats at hourly rates, and anglers will find the calm water especially rewarding.
Upper Sardine Lake is a short 1.3 mile hike away from its lower counterpart along a mild gravel road. Unlike the lower lake, swimming is welcome here, and the clear alpine waters are perfect for cooling off after the easy climb. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the lakeside while soaking up the mountain scenery.
For those seeking a challenge, look no further than the Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail. The 5.1-mile out-and-back trail climbs steadily to an abandoned fire lookout perched high above everything for miles. The payoff is extraordinary panoramic views, but be prepared; the final approach requires ascending an exposed staircase, and dogs aren’t recommended for this section, so plan accordingly.
The Tamarack Connection Trail is 3.3 miles out with a mild incline as you hike along the steep hillside looking down onto both Lower and Upper Sardine Lake. The trail connects to either the Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail, making it a total of 12.4 miles round trip to the lookout, or you connect onto the Pacific Crest Trail leading towards Packer Lake, which allows for swimming.
It is important to keep in mind that both of these hikes are mostly exposed to the sun, and you don’t have access to much water while you are on the trail. Plan your hikes accordingly with the weather and the amount of water you are packing if you plan on bringing a dog with you.
For lighter walks and easier nature outings, the Sand Pond Day Use Area offers several short trails and boardwalks that loop around the pond and marsh. The area is also a good spot for swimming or relaxing on the sandy shore, and kids especially enjoy looking for frogs along the water’s edge.
If you are looking to stay the night, nestled into the woods just below the Sierra Buttes, Sardine Lake campground is a quiet basecamp for exploring the region. With only 27 sites, the campground offers both reservation and first-come, first serve options from late May through mid-October.
When picking a site here, there is no going wrong, as each site offers something different from the next. However, the campground can mostly be divided into two personalities.
On the south side, the landscape is more open. Sites here feel a little closer together due to the minimal tree coverage, so you are overall more exposed to your surroundings and neighbors because of this. Fortunately, the open canopy allows for views of the Buttes from your campsite, and at night, a stunning look at thousands of stars in the Milky Way.
On the north side, the mood is quite the opposite. Large granite boulders, thicker trees, and greenery. These sites tend to have more shade during the day and also offer more seclusion from the rest of the campground.
The facilities offered are very basic as each site includes a picnic table, bear box, and fire pit. Water spigots and vault toilets are scattered throughout, with a central bathroom with sinks located next to the entrance.
There are no RV hookups, but most sites can accommodate small to mid-sized campers. Bring a generator or solar panels if you plan on needing power.
Parking can get tight, especially with a trailer. To keep the camp loop clear, it is wise to leave extra vehicles along the main road outside of the campground. It is also important to keep in mind that there is an additional five-dollar fee for extra vehicles at your site.
If camping is not your style, Sardine Lake Resort offers a cozier option just steps from Lower Sardine’s shore. The resort is open from May to October, the resort features a total of nine rustic cabins of varying sizes.
The resort also houses a reservation-only restaurant with a lakefront dining experience, perfect for a special evening. For something more casual, the dockside bar is a favorite, offering drinks with an unbeatable view of the shimmering lake. Unlike the restaurant, no reservations are needed here, and both kids and dogs are welcome.
Whether you come for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, Sardine Lakes delivers a perfect mix of alpine adventure and quiet mountain beauty.