Loon Lake Chalet
Loon Lake Chalet is situated next to Loon Lake in a granite bowl, and offers year-round, drive-to access for excellent backcountry skiing and hiking. The three-story chalet boasts excellent views of the Sierras and the lake. Though the chalet looks fancy, guests should not not expect hotel luxuries, but rather a semi-rustic experience.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District built the chalet in 1989, originally intended as a day-use winter facility. Due to public demand, the second floor warming room was made available for overnight rental, and a third floor was soon added.
The chalet has three levels and can accommodate up to 20 guests. It features a large deck off the second floor with a wide stairway accessing the parking area. Vault toilets are attached to the building but are accessed from outside. The bottom floor is the ski patrol room(no public use), the second floor is the common liviing room and the third floor is the sleeping loft. The sleeping loft is equipped with 12 twin size sleeping pads to be placed on the floor when used and stacked up neatly upon check out.
Electricity plus hot and cold water are provided. Garbage service is offered in summer months. The warming room has electric heat and is equipped with picnic tables, benches, a queen-sized futon couch, two wood couches, a gas fireplace and small dryer. The kitchen contains a double sink, hot and cold water, a range top stove, microwave oven and a small under-the-counter refrigerator. Miscellaneous pots and pans are provided but guests are encouraged to bring their own. Additional tables and benches are outside on the deck.
No showers are available. Guests should bring food, sleeping bags, plates, drinking glasses and utensils, garbage bags, flashlights, maps and a compass, first aid supplies and tire chains. Electrical outlets may be used for crock pots, microwaves, coffeemakers, electric frying pans and similar small appliances. Click here for more information about the chalet.
Need to Know
- Guests must contact the ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST at (530) 644-2324 to arrange for permit, access, check-in and to learn about current conditions
In order to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience to all visitors, a stay limit of days per calendar year is now in effect. Use of any Eldorado National Forest cabins is limited to 6 nights per recreation rental facility and a total of 12 nights per calendar year. This time limit includes any combination of stays in Harvey West Cabin, Loon Lake Chalet, Robbs Hut, Sly Guard Cabin and Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Bring tire chains in winter; roads are not plowed on weekends and holidays
Cellular phone service is not available at the Loon Lake Chalet. Cell coverage might be available depending on phone carrier 1-3 miles from the Chalet on Icehouse rd. From the Chalet parking lot, turn right on to Icehouse rd. and proceed to drive 1-3 miles and cell service might be available.
- Winter conditions can occur from September through June and may provide visitors with challenging weather, affecting access and amenities
- In winter, this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. There is no trash service, so please bring garbage bags and remove all trash from Loon Lake Chalet before departing
- Nearest phone is 2 miles northwest at the Kyburz store
- Off-road vehicles may only be used on designated trails
- No pets allowed in building
- Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
- For current weather conditions and fire restriction status, click here
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Permitted use of Loon Lake Chalet is limited to six (6) days per year.
Natural Features
The chalet is nestled in the forest on the western edge of Loon Lake at an elevation of 6,348 feet. The lake spans 76,200 acres. Sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests, granite bowls and a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains characterize the area.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest general store is an hour away at Ice House Reservoir. In winter, the nearest town with a general store is about two hours away in Pollock Pines.
Recreation
Popular summer activities include hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road driving on the 22-mile Rubicon 4WD Trail. Anglers delight in rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for thrilling water skiing on Loon Lake. In winter, the chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area, which offers many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails.
Contact Information
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ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD CAMINO CA 95709
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 530-644-2324
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 21 miles to Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 25 miles north to a fork in the road. Take the right fork 6 miles. Pass the Loon Lake Campground turn-off, then go 3/4 of a mile to the chalet.
