The Top 20 Lakes in Madera County
Looking to visit the best lakes in Madera County? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Madera County’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: December 22, 2025
Thousand Island Lake
Highlight • Lake
Thousand Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra Nevada. It's name comes from the shimmering stone islands that make up it's unique and a true …
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Garnet Lake
Highlight • Lake
From Garnet Lake the John Muir Trail continues north to Thousand Island Lake. An alternative route to the right of the bridge leads to the beautiful and secluded Altha Lake. …
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Rosalie Lake
Highlight • Lake
Rosalie Lake is located directly on the John Muir Trail and in winter conditions – that can last up until July depending on the snow level – can only be …
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Maintaining gorgeous views of the lake and the Minarets to the west, the PCT approaching from the South dips down near the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, just below its outflow from Thousand Island Lake.
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Emerald Lake
Highlight • Lake
The PCT/JMT takes you along the scenic Emerald Lake that is way smaller than its neighbors, but still a gem.
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Crater Creek & Horseshoe Lake Junction
Highlight • Trail
Crater Creek is a reliable water source in this area with some campsites close by. Use the trail to Horseshoe Lake to get into Mammoth Lakes if the shuttle from Reds Meadow is not running.
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Olaine Lake
Highlight • Lake
Olaine Lake is the first glimpse of the alpine lake scenery you can expect in the Sierra Nevada. The trail is flat and wide – perfect for a family stroll.
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Ruby Lake & campsite
Highlight • Lake
Ruby Lake is a small, but beautiful alpine lake that offers a spot for around two tents. If you dare, take a dip in the cool water.
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Bass Lake
Highlight • Lake
Bass Lake is a great area for recreation. You can hike, go fishing or biking. It is an artificial lake that was created by building the Crane Valley Dam across …
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Clark Lakes
Highlight • Lake
Set of alpine lakes between the John Muir Trail at Garnet Lake and Agnew Pass
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Still not found your perfect lake in Madera County? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
Sierra NevadaSanta Clara CountyEl Dorado CountyCoast RangeMarin CountyAlameda CountyLos Angeles CountySan Diego CountyOrange CountyMono CountyContra Costa CountyFresno CountySan Mateo CountyTuolumne CountyTulare CountyPlacer CountyMariposa CountyInyo CountySan Bernardino CountySiskiyou CountySacramento CountyShasta CountySonoma CountyTahoe National ForestShasta-Trinity National ForestRiverside CountyPlumas CountyNevada CountySan Luis Obispo CountySierra CountySolano CountyAlpine CountyTrinity CountySanta Cruz CountyAmador CountyMonterey CountySanta Barbara CountyLassen CountyVentura CountyCalaveras CountyNapa County
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