MrHollister.com/Emma Lake ~ Toiyabe National Forest.

MrHollister.com » Emma Lake ~ Toiyabe National Forest.

The hike to Emma Lake is on a short, moderately steep trail that will quickly whisk you to a seldom-used but beautiful lake set within a glacial cirque carved out of eroding volcanic peaks and underlain by granite. My dad and I came here as part of a day trip to the West Walker river. When the river became too crowded I decided to do some fishing reconnaissance in the Little Walker drainage instead. We were the only folks at the Emma Lake trailhead on this busy Saturday and had the gorgeous lake to ourselves. Unfortunately, the rainbow trout that I had read about in Ralph Cutter’s fishing guide have now been replaced my munchkin brook trout that are on the verge of becoming stunted. My dad and I caught a good deal of fish that were lethargically hanging out near the shore, but none broke the 7” range. This lake also provides a great opportunity for beginning backpackers looking for an easy, short hike that will still provide an amazing wilderness experience.