Loon Lake Kayak
Nestled on the edge of the Desolation Wilderness, Loon Lake is a jewel in the picturesque Crystal Basin. Just over the other side of the Sierra peaks from Lake Tahoe, Loon Lake is surrounded by scented pines and dotted with small, tree-studded islands and our kayaks allow unlimited access to the many islands and scenic shoreline as well as opportunities for trailheads leading to fantastic hikes. No prior paddling experience is necessary. We’ll use ruddered sea kayaks, which have a stable and user friendly design. All paddling equipment is provided.
Loon Lake Kayak Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Loon Lake, CA. We meet at 8:30 p.m. at our Loon Lake campsite. We’ll have a group orientation, meet the guides and get ready to kayak the next day. Late arrivals can catch up in the morning. Dinner is on your own tonight.
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Day 2
We’ll have breakfast in camp and then begin paddling on Loon Lake. A picnic lunch is provided by the guides, and we’ll have time to hike along the shore and do some exploring. We’ll return to our campground in the late afternoon with more time for hiking the scenic shoreline. The guides will prepare a great dinner in camp tonight. All meals included.
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Day 3
After breakfast we pack up camp and head out to paddle and explore another part of beautiful Loon Lake. We’ll have a picnic lunch on shore and paddle or hike until we’re ready to call it a weekend – usually around 3 p.m. Breakfast and lunch included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. The final paddling route is left up to the discretion of the guides, and is based upon trip member’s skill and weather conditions.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction and guiding; all meals from breakfast on Day 2 through lunch on Day 3; 2 nights camping accommodation, single kayaks (unless double specifically requested) including all kayaking equipment.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.
This trip is rated Easy Active (2) as we plan to kayak 3-5 hours per day in calm conditions. While conditioning is not stressed as critical to your enjoyment of this trip, even easy paddling will involve the use of several muscle groups in both your lower and upper body, and being reasonably fit is important to your enjoyment of the trip.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping to 50s - 60s. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Loon Lake Kayak
Weather
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks (singles are the standard, doubles can be provided with advance notice)
- 2-person tents, double occupancy
- Life jacket and spray skirt
- Cooking gear and eating utensils
- Dry bag: 1 small for personal gear
- Group first-aid kit
- Sleeping bag rated to 30º - 40º F
- Sleeping pad
- Rain jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
- Rain pants, waterproof and breathable
- Sweater or jacket, wool or fleece
- Thermal underwear top and bottom
- T-shirts (no cotton)
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Wool or warm synthetic socks
- Lightweight hiking boots
- Wetsuit booties, water sport sandals, or old tennis shoes
- Paddling gloves
- Bandana
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sun/rain hat
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Toiletry kit
- Sun block and lip balm
- Plastic bags—Ziploc for wet clothes
- Water bottle—1 quart is best
- Favorite snacks
- Seat/back cushion for kayaking
- Camera and film
- Extra dry bag for personal gear (small)
- Small binoculars (7x or 8x is best)




