This is the place where it all started for the Whitney family, and a hidden gem we only share with our closest community. Erik grew up breathing in the fresh pine air of crisp, calm fishing mornings on Rock Creek Lake more summers than not. On her first trip to Rock Creek, Allison landed two 5+ lb. trout (she thinks I should've proposed on the spot)! The Little Lakes Valley Trail is very likely my (Erik's) favorite trail in the world - if you have time to pass through, it is worth every step.
Looking for an otherworldly lake with funky-looking mineral formations? This ancient saline lake holds "tufa towers": mineral structures created when fresh-water springs bubble up through the alkaline waters of the lake. If you can catch it around sunrise or sunset with a little bit of color, it's a beautifully strange sight. I wouldn't recommend licking the pillars.
We've never been on this hike, but many June Lake visitors consider it a favorite! Level: easy to low moderate. Length: about 3.8 miles, out and back. Elevation gain: about 550 feet. Time: 2 to 3 hours.