INDEPENDENCE LAKE PRESERVE
Effective May 1, 2022 The Nature Conservancy and Truckee Donner Land Trust will require users of land trust motorboats at Independence Lake to show a California Boater Card. This policy is meant to ensure public safety and ongoing availability of the motorboats. Please see this link californiaboatercard.com for information about how to apply for and obtain a California Boater Card.
Those who wish to use motorboats but do not have a valid Boater Card are welcome to use one of the free kayaks on site.
In 2010, The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Truckee Donner Land Trust, the Northern Sierra Partnership, and several other conservation partners, acquired a large portion of the property surrounding Independence Lake.
The property was acquired from NV Energy, which with its predecessor Sierra Pacific Power had held the 2,300-acre property since the late 1930s. This acquisition supplements the nearly 2,000 acre acquisition the Land Trust made in 2006 and completely protects the entire Independence Lake watershed. The area had been used by native Americans for at least 9,000 years but was not discovered by Euro-Americans until 1860, when Augustus Moore visited the lake in connection with building a stage stop business on nearby Henness Pass Road. In the 1970s, the lake and surrounding mountains were targeted for a major four-season resort development, which, fortunately, never came to fruition.
Today, the 2.4 mile lake, at an elevation of 6,949 feet, is noted for its pristine location and for being home to one of only two, self-sustaining lacustrine populations of Lahontan cutthroat trout. In addition, the lake is part of the headwaters of the Little Truckee River, a major tributary of the Truckee River, which among other things supplies drinking water to northern Nevada, including Reno and Sparks. NV Energy has committed $1.4 million for investments into the Lahontan cutthroat trout recovery program at the lake.
field notes
COOL FACTOR
Until its acquisition in 2010, the property had been in private hands with very few improvements other than a dam to increase water storage capacity and a modest campground. Independence Lake's beauty and rustic nature are matched only by the amazing biodiversity that it supports. Independence Lake is home to one of only two wild, self-sustaining lake populations of Lahontan cutthroat trout in the world—a fish that has been lost from 99% of its historic range. Independence Lake also serves as an important source of clean drinking water for western Nevada, providing critical water storage during periods of drought.
WHAT TO DO
Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, along with fishing, paddling, birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and picnic areas. All recreational facilities are conveniently located near the northeast end of the lake, just a short walk from the parking area. Watercraft are available at Independence Lake, Thursday–Sunday, from Memorial Day weekend through September, weather permitting, on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 am-2 pm.
Kayaks are available throughout the season, and 14’ aluminum motorboats with 9.9 hp outboard motors are available every other weekend.
All watercraft are free to use; donations are appreciated.
Outside watercraft are not permitted to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Check the Independence Lake point forecast and NOAA hourly forecasts before visiting for current wind and weather conditions.
A 2.6-mile trail follows the north shore from the parking area to the head of the lake, with opportunities to view wildflowers and birds.
Fishing is allowed from shore or by boat.
Picnic tables are available along the north and east shores. Please store food properly, as the area is bear habitat.
In the 1970s, the lake and surrounding mountains were targeted for a major four-season resort development, which, fortunately, never came to fruition.
HOW TO GET THERE
Travel north on Hwy 89 and turn left onto Jackson Meadows Road after 17miles. Follow Jackson Meadows Road west for 1.5 miles turning left at the sign for Independence Lake. Follow for about 2 miles and veer right at the sign for Independence Lake, onto County Road 350. Travel for another 3 miles on County Road 350, following signs to the lake. Low clearance vehicles are not recommended.
RULES, REGULATIONS, GOOD TO KNOW
No boats, float tubes or paddlecraft from outside the Preserve are permitted, as part of the aquatic invasive species prevention program
All footgear you plan to use in the lake must be washed at our wash station before you enter the lake. No felt-soled wading boots are permitted
Please check the Independence Lake point forecast and NOAA hourly forecasts before visiting for current wind and weather conditions.
Please check The Nature Conservancy website for more information.
Fishing: California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations allow fishing the Saturday preceding Memorial Day through Sept. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks. All Lahontan cutthroat trout taken shall be immediately returned to the water. Tributaries and the lake within 300 feet of the mouths of all tributaries are closed to fishing all year.
OTHER LAND TRUST PROPERTIES IN THE AREA
Independence Lake is one of five properties in the upper Little Truckee River Watershed that have been conserved by the Truckee Donner Land Trust and/or its conservation partners.