Silver Lake
Silver Lake has been a popular destination on Carson Pass for decades. Residents of the central valley flocked to the mild climates of the mountains in the summer, often setting up tent camps that stood for months.
Many of the lodges and camps at Silver Lake were established in the 1920s, while Plasse's dates back to 1853.
Several of the old resorts still operate today, offering modernized accommodations and countless amenities. Anglers, hikers, photographers, artists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers enjoy exploring the lake and its surrounding countryside. A modern launch ramp makes boating easy.
Day Hikes at Silver Lake
Around the Lake
The classic around-the-lake hike covers 6 miles. Start anywhere you like, of course, and go in either direction. The only diversion from the lake's shore is along the east side where the trail turns inland for a short distance. Half way around stop for an ice cream or a drink at either Plasse's Resort or Kit Carson Lodge.
Climb to the Summit of Thunder Mountain
It's a 2,100-foot (3.5 miles one way) climb from Silver Lake to the summit of Thunder Mountain but worth every step. The views from the top are fantastic. Bring a camera and water. Pick up the Horse Canyon Trail just east of Kit Carson Lodge or head south down the shoreline trail until you meet a lateral trail that veers up to the Horse Canyon Trail. Follow that trail about a mile and turn left up the trail to the top of Thunder Mountain.
Horse Canyon to West Pass
Hike up the Horse Canyon to West Pass, the highest point the emigrant wagons crossed while traveling to California along the Carson River Emigrant Trail during the Gold Rush. It's a long day of hiking, but the views are spectacular. Carry plenty of water and a camera. The trail climbs 2,300 feet in 5 miles. Pick up the Horse Canyon Trail just east of Kit Carson Lodge and follow the trail up to Grouse Ridge. From there it is less than a mile to the top of the pass.
Silver Lake Lodging
Kit Carson Lodge
Kit Carson Lodge has been a favorite destination at Silver Lake for over 80 years. Established in 1926 the lodge includes 19 cottages and 8 hotel rooms within its scenic 12 acres along the shore. Also available at the lodge are a restaurant, boat rentals, a swimming beach, and art gallery.
32161 Kit Carson Road, Kit Carson, CA
(209) 258-8500
Kit Carson Lodge
Lodge Amenities
- Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (early June through October), Full menu with an extensive wine list featuring the local wineries of Amador and Eldorado counties.
- Store and Post Office, Campfire Area, Dock, Swimming Beach
- Boat Rentals: motorboats, canoes, and kayaks between 8:30 AM and dusk
- Motorboats
- Canoes and single Kayaks
- Paddle boats
- Workshops: Watercolor, Monotype Print Making, Writing/Publishing, Landscape Painting
Accommodations
Housekeeping Cottages: Full kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, decks, BBQs, gas furnaces, bedding. Sleep 2 - 8 people.
Daily Rates: about $$ - $$$$ per night depending on cottage size and season (weekly rates available)
Rooms: Lakeside views, private bathrooms, decks overlooking lake. Sleep 1 - 3 people.
Daily Rates: about $$ - $$$ depending on room and season.
Outdoor Forest Wedding Venue
With views of Silver Lake and Thunder Mountain
Plasse's Resort
Plasse's Resort was originally the home of French immigrant Ramon Pierre Plasse who settled there along the Carson River Emigrant Trail in 1853. Today Plasse's is a popular camping and RV resort near the southern end of Silver Lake. It includes the Thunder Mountain Restaurant, a general store, sports areas, and canoe and kayak rentals. Open early June to mid-September.
30001 Plasse Road, Silver Lake, CA
(209) 258-8814
Plasse's Resort
Lodge Amenities
- Thunder Mountain Restaurant and Bar open for dinner on Fridays, and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.
- General Store, Propane Station, Dump Station, Laundry, Shower
- Horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, playground, arcade
- launch Ramp ($10), Boat Storage ($10 per day)
- Canoe and kayak rentals
Camping
Sites include water hook-up, table and fire ring.
Tent Sites: $
RV Sites (33' or less): $
Larger RV Sites: $$
Horse Camping Sites M1-M10: 1-2 horses and 1 RV - $
Horse Camping Sites M11-M22: 1-4 horses and 1 RV - $$
Fishing at Silver Lake
With its magnificent scenery and well-stocked waters, Silver Lake makes a wonderful place to fish. Anglers will catch brown, rainbow, and mackinaw trout. A record 22-pound mackinaw was pulled from the lake in 2002.
Silver Lake is another of those lakes where the catch from shore is as good as from a boat. Shore fishermen favor Ferguson Point, Sandy Cove, and the inlet at the southern end of the lake. Trollers like working north of Treasure Island and along the west shore.
Fishing boats can be rented at Kit Carson Lodge.
Farewell to Camp Minkalo
Camp Minkalo was once a Camp Fire Girls' camp back in the 1950s. The camp was later gifted to the Boy Scouts, but was never actually used by them. Lack of potable water eventually forced the camp's closure. The Forest Service has removed the buildings and is continuing the progress of returning the land to its original state.
Saving Camp Silverado
Camp Silverado was opened as a Boy Scout camp in 1951 by the Silverado Area Council, which included Lake, Napa, and Solano counties. After the Silverado Council merged with the Mt. Diablo Council in 1992, the camp at Silver Lake was used only sparingly through 2003 and then closed.
In 2008 Friends of Camp Silverado was formed with the goal of rescuing the camp from a fate similar to Camp Minkalo's. Their current mission is as a partner with the USFS re-establish the camp as an active public Group Campground preserving the heart and soul of the camp as a youth-oriented camp, steeped in education and active participation.
To achieve this goal they have formed a non-profit organization (Friends of Camp Silverado) and are seeking to rally Camp Silverado alumni and raise funds to re-open the camp. They are still looking for more of their "lost brothers" from the years gone by that have spent countless summer nights under the firs and stars in this high Sierra camp.
Kays Silver Lake Resort - In the History Books
For those with fond memories of Kays Resort, you will be saddened to learn that it is no longer there. After it closed, it was purchased by the EID and all of the buildings were demolished.
Silver Lake Campgrounds
Silver Lake East Campground
Located at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 52 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88 at Silver Lake. Usually open from June 1 to mid-October.
Campground Amenities
- 62 camp sites for tents, trailers and RVs up to 40 feet
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, some grills, fire rings, some bear boxes
- Walking distance from Silver Lake for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Silver Lake
Fees: $28 per night for 6 people and 2 vehicles
Silver Lake Campground Map
Silver Lake West Campground
Located at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 52 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88 at Silver Lake. Usually open from mid-May to mid-October. Operated by El Dorado Irrigation District.
Campground Amenities
- 42 camp sites for tents, and trailers and RVs up to 24 feet
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
- On the Silver Fork American River, walking distance to Silver Lake for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking
Reservations: None
Fees: $30 per night, $25 for seniors
Silver Lake West Campground Map
Stockton Silver Lake Camp
The City of Stockton's Silver Lake Camp has been in operation since 1921. It is located near the southern end of Silver Lake, not far from Plasse's Resort. The camp is now operated by the Silver Lake Campers Association.
Accommodations
The camp has about 50 rustic cabins, each with a double bed and two sets of bunk beds and dressers and chairs. Campers supply their own bedding. A modern central bathhouse has hot showers. Electricity is provided by a generator, which is turned off at night.
Camp Activities during Family Camp times include volleyball, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, and a variety show
Meals prepared by the kitchen staff are included.
Stockton
Learn more about the City of Stockton on our sister website Stockton Treasures.