Big Margaret Lake Trail

Big Margaret Lake Trail (#26e18) is a short point-to-point alpine hike in the Sierra National Forest and John Muir Wilderness. It links up with Silver Creek Trail (#27e63) at both ends, making it easy to embed into longer lake-and-cutoff loops in the area.

The trail runs about 3.4–3.7 miles and has roughly 580 feet of gain. Most of the core tread is described as moderate, but the route also accesses rugged backcountry terrain once you’re moving beyond the immediate approach sections.

A typical travel pattern starts from the Silver Creek area, then climbs from slick rock terrain toward Baby Lake. The ascent includes a steep rocky push over 400 feet, followed by a straightforward continuation to the Rainbow Lake meadow area.

From Rainbow Lake, the route works around the marshy meadow edges and along the lake’s east side, then climbs through a major block of rock—enough that the grade kicks up more than 100 feet to get you to the Big Margaret Lake bench.

Big Margaret Lake is the main destination on this line: the trail reaches the lake’s area, then crosses Big Margaret’s outlet with Bathtub Lake close by downstream. The lakefront area is where most hikers aim to camp or spend time before continuing into connected loop networks.

Several backcountry logistics points matter: wilderness permits are required for camping, and there are trail quotas on some approaches but not on routes that start from Edison Lake (including the Silver Pass / Big Margaret Lakes & Arch Rock approach family). Campfires are not allowed near the named lakes in the immediate area.

More information: Visitor information, Lake Margaret - Washington Trails Association, Saddle Mountain Trail in California - Pacer Walking App