The lake is an iconic alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada’s. Sugar pine and Lodgepole pines dot the campgrounds and birds are plentiful. There are giant pine cones scattered everywhere and woodpeckers can be heard throughout the morning. This is a great spot for families or folks looking for something right on the lake. There is a somewhat wind sheltered creek with picnic spots available that is great for kids or beginner paddleboarders who need to get started out of the wind. Along the lakeshore there are beautiful old wood stoves for cooking. It gets crowded and the dog friendliness is marginal. The lake is slightly chilly but a great swim on a hot day. The campground has bathrooms and there is a visitor center with a museum and gift shop. Reservations fill up in the summer, for weekends especially.