One of the treasures of paddling remote
Juniper Lake is witnessing the sun sink in
the late afternoon and watching the
reflective images at sunrise on the water's
surface. This wilderness lake offers views
that can only be experienced from the water,
as motorboats and fishing are prohibited,
leaving the lake primarily to hikers,
paddlers, and campers.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a wonderful
variety of recreational activities at
Juniper Lake. Visitors can hand-launch
kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes directly
from the shoreline. Whether you're a novice
or experienced paddler, there's something
for every age and skill level to enjoy.
Biking, hiking, and horseback riding are
also popular in the surrounding area.
A few campsites are situated on the grassy
banks overlooking the scenic lake, providing
easy hand-launch access. However, some
campsites require a short carry to reach the
water. Due to the remote nature of Juniper
Lake, I recommend paddling and camping with
a companion. Campsites are available on a
first-come, first-served basis and are
limited to tent camping only.
Early in the season (early to mid-July), the
road to the lakefront campsites may be gated
if rangers deem it too wet and
muddy,
requiring visitors to carry all their gear
nearly half a mile. Unfortunately, the area
surrounding the lake was badly burned in the
summer of 2021.
Map of Juniper Lake
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