Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: This Sierra Nevada Lake Is An Outdoor Recreation Gem

The Golden State is rich not only in stunning coastline but also in gorgeous, must-see lakes. From the uber-popular Lake Tahoe, where kayakers go to enjoy its see-through waters, to the man-made Big Bear Lake that attracts paddleboarders, visitors love spending time on the water. For those seeking a different outdoor gem, there are plenty of options across Sierra Nevada's mountain towns, including around Mammoth Lakes. The area is home to over 100 alpine lakes, one of which is the stunning Lake Mary. This standout lake is ideal for watersports of all kinds and enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Part of the Inyo National Forest, Lake Mary is the largest lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, stretching out for over a mile. At an elevation of 8,920 feet, and with the Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag both dominating the background, it's an absolute beauty that will leave you positively breathless. While you can simply enjoy a quiet picnic or a leisurely walk around the area, there's no doubt you'll want to take part in some fun outdoor activities during your visit.

If you're hoping to get out onto Lake Mary's pellucid waters, you'll want to visit in the summertime. While no swimming or wading is allowed in this lake, you can still get out on the water via kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or boat. Lake Mary Marina rents paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes starting at $70 to $80 for two hours. They also rent motorboats starting at $100 and eight-person pontoons for $295, both for a minimum of 2.5 hours. Pokonobe Lodge and Marina, meanwhile, offers stand-up paddleboards, single and tandem kayaks, canoes, and motorboats starting at $45 to $60 an hour, as well as deluxe pontoons starting at $175 an hour, with discounts for longer rentals. There's also a general store where you can also pick up firewood, maps, snacks, drinks, camping supplies, ice, even souvenirs. Both marinas operate seasonally, so check their hours before visiting.

This gem of a lake is an ideal spot for anglers who wish to spend a day or two fishing. That's partly because it has the largest amount of trout stocked into it in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, with brown, brook, and rainbow trout being the most common. Trophy-sized trout can also be found in the area, with some clocking in at as much as 10 to 12 pounds.

With nearly 300 bird species identified in the Eastern Sierra, the area also offers plenty of birdwatching opportunity. Keep an eye out for red-shouldered hawks and California thrashers to mountain quails, purple martins, or even one of the members of the bald eagle family that's said to be living on the lake's shores. Other animals you might encounter include mule deer, marmots, pine martens, coyotes, and even black bears. Just make sure to keep your distance and never feed wildlife!

Visitors from the Los Angeles and San Diego areas can fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) on seasonal flights from Hawthorne and Carlsbad. From there, it's just a short 20-minute drive. Another option is Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (also known as Bishop Airport), which offers year-round service from San Francisco, plus seasonal winter service from Denver. The drive from the airport to Lake Mary takes about an hour.

Camping and cabins are both available right near Lake Mary during the warmer months. Whether you're alone or traveling with extended family, Crystal Crag Lodge provides one- to four-bedroom cabins for a comfortable vacation, ranging from $215 to $494 per night as of this writing. Two nearby camping options are Pine City Campground, across the road from the lake's northeast side, with 10 first-come, first-served campsites, and the larger Lake Mary Campground, featuring 48 campsites within walking distance of the lake. Both offer flush toilets and picnic tables and are excellent options for sleeping under the stars during your getaway.

While renting a car will offer you the most flexibility on your trip, you can also take the Mammoth Express from Bishop Airport to the Village at Mammoth Lakes. From there, you can hop on the Lakes Basin Trolley, which provides free summer bus service around the Lakes Basin, including stops at Lake Mary. There's even a bike trailer so you can do some riding while you're out and about. Plus, you can always take the trolley to explore more of this mountainous California lake town and all it has to offer.