miles and then following the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) south for 8.3 miles.
Peak baggers may be tempted by a route that exits the use trail to Devils Oven Lake a short distance from the junction with the Warren Lake Trail and then ascends Basin Peak. Following a use trail along the crest of the ridge between Basin and Castle Peaks may also be rewarding. From the summit of Castle Peak, proceed along the west ridge to a connection with the PCT at Castle Pass (see Trail 5).
Frog Lake from overlook
From the Donner Lake Rim Trail junction to Summit Lake
Indefatigable super-hikers may elect to continue their journey to Warren Lake, though a reasonable assessment of the trip will lead most recreationists to conclude that a visit to the lake is best done as a two- to three-day backpack. From the saddle, follow the trail on a winding descent across mostly open slopes dotted with conifers. At 4.4 miles reach the crest of a minor ridge and a faint junction with an old trail from the vicinity of Frog Lake. Veer west and continue the descent for 0.6 mile to the bottom of Coon Canyon. From there follow an undulating 1.5-mile traverse around the head of North Fork Prosser Creek basin to a saddle due south of Warren Lake. Beyond the saddle the trail plummets more than 1,000 feet in a mile to reach the south shore of Warren Lake.
Start at Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead
Veer right at Glacier Meadow Loop junction
Veer right again at Glacier Meadow Loop junction
Turn left (north) at Pacific Crest Trail junction
Turn right (northeast) at Summit Lake Trail junction
Turn right (east) at Warren Lake Trail junction
Summit Lake
Return to Warren Lake junction, turn right (north)
Frog Lake Overlook
Warren Lake
TRAIL 4 NORTH TAHOE
Castle Peak
TRAIL USE
Hike, Dogs Allowed
LENGTH
9.6 miles, 3 hours
VERTICAL FEET
±2,205
DIFFICULTY
– 1 2 3 4 5 +
TRAIL TYPE
Out-and-back
SURFACE TYPE
Dirt
FEATURES
Canyon
Mountain
Summit
Wildflowers
Great Views
Photo Opportunity
FACILITIES
Restrooms
Picnic Tables
Water
A climb to one of
