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Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake

Inyo National Forest · Mono · Managed by Inyo National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 27/100 · Moderateout and back#alpine-lakes#john-muir-trail#sierra-nevada#photography
Distance
15.8 mi
Total gain
2,683 ft
Net gain
2,403 ft
Net loss
2,403 ft
Elevation
7,274–9,834 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

This out-and-back climbs the Rush Creek drainage from the June Lake Loop to Thousand Island Lake, a granite-bound alpine basin at the foot of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. At 7.9 miles and about 2,400 feet of gain each way, it is one of the most efficient ways to reach the Ansel Adams Wilderness high country — and its island-dotted lake is a top Sierra photography destination.

Highlights

  • Thousand Island Lake with the Ritter Range mirrored in its water
  • The John Muir Trail junction — the PCT/JMT corridor passes the lake's north shore
  • Granite benches above the lake for sunset views of Banner Peak
  • Reliable water and easy camping along Rush Creek

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Silver Lake Trailhead (June Lake Loop) (7,274 ft · parking: Small lot at the Rush Creek trailhead on June Lake Loop Road (Hwy 158))
  • Water: Rush Creek the entire way, plus the lake and feeder streams; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; June Lake and Lee Vining have full services before and after.
  • Shuttle: Optional — June Lake loop shuttle connects trailheads in summer.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Inyo National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Rush Creek entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Reservations via recreation.gov; 60% of quota released six months out, 40% two weeks out, at 7 a.m. PT.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings at Thousand Island Lake unless seasonal fire restrictions are in effect. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and fires. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by mid-July; the upper basin holds snow late in heavy years.

Heat: Warm afternoons in the lower canyon; the lake basin stays cool.

Bugs: Mosquitoes can be intense near the lakes and meadows in July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The trailhead sits on the popular June Lake Loop; parking fills early on summer weekends
  • Mosquitoes can be severe near the lake in July — head nets are worth their weight
  • Bear canisters are required; food-storage rules are enforced
  • No camping within 100 feet of water; use durable sites on the benches

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 17134198 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / U.S. Forest Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233262. Accessed 2026-09-07. Year-round permit requirement for Ansel Adams Wilderness, quota schedule, and food-storage rules.
  2. Inyo National Forest recreation areas. U.S. Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20280. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Trailhead and forest access context for the June Lake / Rush Creek area.
  3. Rush Creek Trail route relation 17134198. OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/17134198. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry; elevation statistics computed from this track.
  4. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevation enrichment for computed gain/loss statistics.