Sardine Lake and Campground

The Sardine Lake and Campground Trail offers access to some pawsome trails, including one interpretive trail and one longer trail that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) System. Both of these trails are dog-furiendly as long as Fido is on-leash at all times, so you don’t have to leave your fur buddy back at camp. No matter where you are in the Sardine Lake area, campgrounds, or trails, the Sierra Buttes are visible and they are a sight to behold, so make sure you have a camera. Be sure to note that the campground is only open from June to October.

The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is just a bit shy of two miles out and back, and starts at the gate on the right side of the parking lot. This trail is mostly wooded and takes you around the Lower Sardine Lake up to the Upper Sardine Lake, where you will turn around and walk back. The trail even goes over some marshy areas where you and your poochie will walk on some wooden planks over the water. 

There are informative signs with the history of Sand Pond and Sardine Lake all along the trail, and you will see a lot of colorful flowers and curious wild critters along your hike. No dogs are allowed in Sand Pond, so make sure you keep your pupster with you on the trail and not on the beach area, picnic area or pond. However, this interpretive trail is a woofderful way to find out the history of the area and learn about the wildlife. 

The other trail, which connects to the Pacific Crest trail by the Tamarack Connection, is about four miles out and back, based on how far you go on the PCT. To get to this trail, take Sardine Lake Road to the Water System Road by County Road 621. This natural dirt path takes you and Fido up into the mountains where you will be facing the Sierra Buttes, and you can even see the snow on top of the mountains during the summer months. Whichever trail you take, be sure to have enough water to share and clean-up bags on hand.

You and your pup will love the pawfect views of the mountains and lakes from Sardine Lake Campground!