Loon Lake Chalet

Loon Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA
Loon Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Loon Lake Chalet


Loon Lake Chalet

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Loon Lake Chalet has a beautiful setting looking out over Loon Lake in the Crystal Basin area of the Eldorado National Forest. Summer visitors enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4-wheeling on the Rubicon Trail. However, the chalet, which can hold up to 20 people, is most popular with groups in the winter who set out on cross-country skis. Snowmobiles are not permitted in the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area.

Loon Lake Chalet, Loon Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Loon Lake Chalet

The Loon Lake Chalet is a 3-story structure erected in 1989. The second floor warming room and third floor loft are available for rental year round. The bottom floor is a ski patrol room with no public access. The Forest Service advises, "Do not expect hotel luxuries." Running water and electric lights and heat make the chalet a comfortable retreat in summer or winter. The warming room has multiple tables, benches, two wooden couches, and a futon couch. Outsede is a campfire ring. A spacious deck extends from the second floor.

Of course, with a redesign and major alterations in 2024-2025, all this may change.

In winter the access road from Highway 50 - Ice House Road - may require 4-wheel drive or chains. Winter snow depths average 3-8 feet with snow possible September through May.

Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Eldorado National Forest - Loon Lake Chalet and Recreation.gov - Loon Lake Chalet.

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Loon Chalet Basics
Loon Chalet Location: West shore Loon Lake, 31 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road
Elevation: 6,378 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sacramento - 96 miles, 2:02
Chalet Open: Currently closed through 2025 for redesign and future reconstruction. Previously open year-round, most popular in winter.
Max. Occupancy: 20 (including children)
Vehicle Parking: No RVs or trailers
Pets: No pets allowed in building
Operated by Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger Office: (530) 644-2324

Loon Lake Chalet Reservations
Reservation Window Loon Lake Chalet may be reserved from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees: $100 per night for up to 20 people
Reservations: Loon Lake Chalet
Maximum Stay: 6 days
Minimum Stay: Friday-Saturday night minimum on weekends, 3 nights on major holidays
Check-in Procedure Contact Placerville Ranger Station far in advance (530) 644-2324. Actual check-in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station, 4260 Eight Mile Road, Camino, CA
Check-in and Check-out Times Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 1:00 PM

Loon Lake Chalet Amenities
Chalet Exterior: Picnic tables, attached outside vault toilets, parking
Interior: 12 sleeping pads, 1 queen-size futon bed, electric heat and lights, gas fireplace for ambiance (not heating the chalet), double sink, range top, microwave, under-counter refrigerator, small dryer. Hot and cold running water. Electric plugs available for small appliances you bring.
NOT included: Bedding (sleeping bags), most pots and pans, plates, drinking glasses, utensils. No winter garbage service
Showers: No
Attractions near Loon Lake Chalet: Enjoy Loon Lake with a launch ramp, boating, water skiing, and fishing. Go 4-wheeling on the Rubicon Jeep Trail. Hike into the Desolation Wilderness. In winter enjoy cross-country skiing (Loon Lake Cross Country Skiing).

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Loon Lake campground map, Eldorado National Forest, CA


Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Loon Lake Chalet in the Eldorado National Forest find some wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.

  • Launch your boat into Loon Lake for scenic cruising and good fishing.
  • Try fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
  • Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
  • Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.

Places to Visit

  • Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.
  • Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.
  • Drive up Highway 50 to Strawberry and Lovers' Leap rock.
  • Visit ski resorts and snow play areas along with cross country ski trails
  • Spend the day high on Echo Summit at Echo Lakes.

Key Loon Lake Chalet Regulations

  1. To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended.
  2. No pets are permitted inside the chalet.
  3. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.

Nearby Forest Service Cabins

Eldorado National Forest

Lassen National Forest

Plumas National Forest

Tahoe National Forest


General Crystal Basin Information

When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
Information is available at the Crystal Information Station east of Union Valley Reservoir on Ice House Road during the summer.
Horses and motor vehicles are not permitted on the bike trails at Union Valley Reservoir. Horses are permitted on the Ice House Reservoir bike trail.




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