Moraine Lake

Overview

Moraine Lake is a quiet alpine tarn perched on the Chagoopa Plateau, just off a short, well-signed spur from the High Sierra Trail. It’s a genuine morale booster on a tough section between the Kern River canyon/Kern Hot Spring and the Big Arroyo–Kaweah Gap high country. Expect a shaded, tranquil shoreline and glassy reflections when the wind dies.

Getting There on the High Sierra Trail

• From Kern Hot Spring: It’s a sustained half-day grind—roughly 8.3 miles with about 3,300 feet of climb. Late in the season, water can be scarce on the ascent; one reliable mid-climb refill noted is a tributary of Funston Creek, so start early and top off when you can.
• From the Big Arroyo/Kaweah Gap side: Continue west across the plateau; the Moraine Lake spur is signed and commonly used as a scenic overnight on HST itineraries.

Camping Setup & Logistics

There’s a designated camping area near the lake with a permanent bear box, and many hikers rank it among their favorite HST camps. Still carry a canister—boxes aren’t everywhere on the route. Practice Leave No Trace and standard wilderness setbacks from water and trail. Overnight permits are required during the quota season, which typically runs late spring into early fall; plan permit strategy ahead if your itinerary includes the Whitney area.

What You’ll See (and What You Won’t)

You’ll get a peaceful, forest-fringed lakeshore—great for cooling off and soaking tired feet, with pleasant swimming when weather cooperates. Do know the trees and reeds run right to the water in places, and blowdown can make crossing to the far side a hassle, so big open-vista photo ops are limited. Calm mornings bring the best reflections.

Geology: Why It Exists Here

True to its name, this is a moraine-dammed lake. A side lobe of the Big Arroyo glacier curled into this small valley during the last glaciation and left concentric ridges of debris as it retreated. The innermost loop forms the natural dam that impounds the lake, and some water even seeps through that morainal embankment—textbook Sierra glacial geomorphology.

Wildlife Notes

Mule deer and high-country birds are common. Black bears are active across the HST corridor—use the bear box and keep your food tight. Anecdotally, hikers have reported leeches near shore and even a rattlesnake in camp—rare, but a good reminder to watch your step at dawn and dusk and check yourself after a swim.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for the snow-free window of mid to late summer when the plateau is open and a dip sounds appealing. Quota-season months see steady HST traffic, but this spot still feels mellow—weekday overnights are quieter. For photos, early morning or late afternoon gives the warmest light, though the treeline limits sweeping panoramas.

Practical Tips

• Start early from Kern to beat heat and manage the long climb; refill at reliable creeks you encounter en route.
• The main camp area has the easiest lake access; elsewhere, reeds and blowdown can make shoreline travel frustrating.
• Use the bear box, but carry a canister for the rest of your itinerary.
• Always check current trail and fire restrictions before heading out.