Lake of the Woods, Glacial lake in California, US

Lake of the Woods is a backcountry glacial lake in the Desolation Wilderness of Eldorado National Forest, El Dorado County, California, just southeast of Lake Aloha and southwest of Lake Tahoe. It holds Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout and is reached on foot from the Glen Alpine Springs, Echo Lake or Twin Bridges trailheads.

The basin formed during past ice ages when massive ice sheets scoured the mountainsides and carved deep valleys. As glaciers melted away, water filled the hollowed depression left behind.

Anglers come here for rainbow trout and brook trout, the two species the lake is known to hold. The lake sits in the Desolation Wilderness of Eldorado National Forest, and hikers reach it on foot from the Glen Alpine Springs, Echo Lake or Twin Bridges trailheads.

The terrain requires sturdy footwear and good fitness since trails are steep and rocky. Visitors should expect changeable mountain weather and bring warm clothing along with sun protection.

The lake lies just southeast of Lake Aloha and holds Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout, so anglers reach it on foot from the Glen Alpine Springs, Echo Lake or Twin Bridges trailheads. It sits in the Desolation Wilderness of Eldorado National Forest, southwest of Lake Tahoe.