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Woods Lake


Summary  Link to more information about summary

Difficulty 2 Beginner-intermediate
Length 3.6 miles round trip to lake and 4.8 miles round trip with addition of extension to Lost Cabin Mine
Starting
Elevation
8600 feet
Cumulative
Elevation
Change
+450, -450 feet
Navigation Road and marked trail
Time Half day
Season Late November through April
Snowmobiles Use Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.]
USGS Topo 7.5' series, Carson Pass and Caples Lake
Start Meiss Sno-Park, 0.1 mile west of Carson Pass on Highway 88.

Description   Link to more information about description

The Woods Lake tour is an anomaly in the Carson Pass area and its differences make it a popular destination. In contrast, to the intermediate and more difficult destinations in the area, this tour is suitable for advanced beginner skiers. Instead of passing through high, open rolling terrain and steep bowls, the route to the lake follows a snow-covered road through dense woods, which offers protection in stormy weather. With only a little experience you will be able to complete this pleasant tour.

The Woods Lake tour is an excellent choice early and late in the season when lower elevations have insufficient or marginal snow-cover. The lake is also a wonderful place to relax and enjoy lunch.

One word of caution is appropriate here. After warm weather the snow will freeze each night and the tree-shaded route will not thaw until mid-afternoon if it is warm or not at all if it turns cold. Icy conditions down the gradually descending road from the pass can be difficult for newbie skiers. So plan your trip here accordingly.

You can also extend the Woods Lake tour by adding a 1.2-mile round trip extension to Lost Cabin Mine. This addition will require you to locate a less well defined road, which you climb to reach the mine. This narrow road will force you to control your speed on the descent or you may find yourself crashing and burning if you are only a beginner-intermediate skier.

Mileage Log   Link to more information about mileage log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map

Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.2
Elevation change: -350 feet

Cross to the south side of Highway 88 at the entrance to the Meiss Sno-Park (1), locate the snow-covered road that enters the trees just to the west (right) of the meadow and descend the road for 1.2 miles until you reach a road junction (2). This junction may not be obvious, but the marked route turns south (left) here towards Woods Lake. You will find yourself climbing very gradually northwest back to the highway if you miss the turn at the junction.

Waypoint 2 to 4
Miles: 1.2 - 1.8
Elevation change: +50 feet

Continue south on the road for 0.6 mile until you reach Woods Lake (4).

Return to trailhead
Miles: 1.8 - 3.6
Elevation change: +350, -50 feet

Retrace the route for 1.8 miles back to the trailhead (1). You can extend the tour by following the route described below to Lost Cabin Mine.

Route to Lost Cabin Mine

The route to Lost Cabin Mine begins 0.1 mile north of Woods Lake. Locate the point on the road, which you skied to the lake, where there is an open route on the west side of the road (3).

Waypoint 3 to 5
Miles: 0.0 - 0.6
Elevation change: +250 feet

Ski west and then south for a total of 0.6 mile, following a road that may not be obvious in places, until you reach Lost Cabin Mine (5). The last part of this section is more steep and along a narrow road with sharp turns.

Waypoint 5 to 3
Miles: 0.6 - 1.2
Elevation change: -250 feet

Retrace the route for 0.6 mile back to the main road (3) to return to the Woods Lake tour.

Print version of map for tour