Tioga Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Tioga Lake
image_lake = tiogalakeangler.jpg
caption_lake = An angler at the lake, Mount Dana in the background
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Sierra Nevada, California
coords = coord|37|55|27|N|119|15|07|W|region:US-CA_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =
inflow =
outflow = Lee Vining Creek
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length = Convert|0.65|mi|km|1|abbr=on
width = Convert|0.25|mi|km|1|abbr=on
area =
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = Convert|9638|ft|m|0|abbr=on
islands =
cities =

Tioga Lake is a small glacier-carved lake in the Inyo National Forest, about two miles north of the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park. The lakebed is alongside State Route 120, the state's highest paved road at convert|9646|ft|m|0|lk=on elevation, in the Sierra Nevada mountains of northern California.

History

Unlike most passes through the Sierra which named for an individual, "Tioga" is an Iroquois word, meaning "where it forks" or "swift current". However, Tioga County, New York is the namesake for the lake. [cite web| title =Tioga Pass Resort History| publisher =Tioga Pass Resort| url =http://www.tiogapassresort.com/history/history.html| accessdate =2008-03-14] The area is believed to have been settled as early as 10,000 years ago by California indigenous peoples. John Muir was among the first white men to see the area. The next major interest came from the mining and logging industries.

Recreation

The lake offers spectacular views, as well as trout fishing, a picnic area, and a 13-site managed campground. Some of the wildlife in the area are brave (and obnoxious) enough to approach humans, especially birds and marmots. Occasionally a bobcat or bighorn sheep can be seen, although the latter are particularly shy.

Although Tioga Lake is technically outside the borders of Yosemite, many consider it a part of the park because of the lush topography. This is especially in contrast to the desert below, surrounding the Mono Lake area, US 395 and the eastern Sierra Nevada. While the region has a stark beauty, this is far less popular than Yosemite Valley, mostly because of the added distance to most of California.

Because of the inaccessibility, the region and Tioga Lake itself is most popular with campers who want to avoid the crowds of Yosemite, photographers, anglers, and nature lovers in general. Birds of prey are more common here, making Tioga Lake and its surroundings popular especially with bird watchers. Because of the altitude and location at the crest of a major pass, the weather is extremely unpredictable, and the length of the seasons varies from year to year.

References

External links

* [http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/california/Wildlife/lee-vining-tioga-lake/index.shtml Tioga Lake]
* [http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/index.shtml Inyo National Forest]
* [http://landscapephoto.us/Galleries/SeirraNevada.html LandscapePhoto.us Sierra Nevada Gallery]
* [http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_forest/ca/hik_iny1.htm GORP's Hiking Mono Lake Area]